ABC’s ‘High Potential’ brings a familiar face to the TV crime-solving scene and that’s OK
The show is by the numbers formulaic, one that fans of Monk, Castle, Bones, and The Mentalist will instantly recognize. High Potential revolves around Morgan, a single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind, played by Kaitlin Olson (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia). Morgan’s life gets an unexpected upgrade when she’s brought on as a consultant for the LAPD after rearranging some evidence during her cleaning shift.
Yes, it’s a crazy premise. But in a world of highly improbable TV setups, from medical shows where doctors perform miracles to lawyers who never seem to lose a case, High Potential fits right in. Morgan has an IQ of 160, a wealth of random knowledge. But she’s no detached genius. Olson’s portrayal brings warmth and humor to Morgan, who’s a caring, emotionally aware mother trying to make ends meet.
Morgan’s reluctant crime-solving partner is Detective Karadec, played by Daniel Sunjata (Rescue Me). He’s your classic by-the-book, no-nonsense cop who initially doubts Morgan’s usefulness but is soon won over by her uncanny ability to see what others don’t. Their partnership is where the magic happens: quirky genius meets straight-laced detective, and together they form an unlikely duo. If it sounds familiar, it’s because it is. And that’s okay—because sometimes formulaic works.
Shows like High Potential walk a fine line between believability and outright absurdity. On the one hand, the idea that a civilian would be brought in to help solve police cases is a bit far-fetched. On the other hand, we suspend disbelief for medical dramas and superhero sagas, so why not for crime-solving consultants? What really makes the show tick is Olson’s ability to sell the character of Morgan. She’s not just a walking brainiac trope. Morgan is a person who feels the burden of her intelligence and who, above all, wants to be a good parent.
Her intelligence is sometimes more of a curse than a blessing. But that’s what makes her relatable. Unlike most TV geniuses, Morgan’s not emotionally distant or socially awkward. She’s witty, charming, and incredibly adept at understanding the complexities of relationships and parenthood, who, at the end of the day, is simply trying to provide for her kids.
The dynamic between Morgan and Karadec fuels the show’s momentum. It’s not love at first sight—more like crime solving at first murder. Karadec is skeptical, Morgan is unorthodox, and together, they clash in all the best ways. Over time, though, they develop the kind of rapport that’s central to this genre. It’s the classic odd-couple pairing we’ve seen before.
High Potential knows what it is, and it leans into it. There’s nothing groundbreaking here, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In an era where grim, serious police procedurals dominate, High Potential offers something lighter. It’s fun, breezy, and exactly the kind of show that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
In the end, High Potential delivers exactly what its name promises: a show with the potential to fill a cozy mystery niche that many viewers have been missing. Will it revolutionize the crime-drama genre? Absolutely not. But it’s likely to win over fans looking for a little fun with their murder mysteries. And really, sometimes that’s all we need.
Screen Rated 