High Potential Is Good, But Poker Face Is SO Much Better

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I have a strong affinity for mystery novels, having consumed countless examples from authors like Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown during my childhood. If a story presented an unsolved puzzle, I would eagerly dive in to try and solve it before the end. Lately, I’ve been thrilled by the intriguing narratives created by Rian Johnson for his Daniel Craig-led Benoit Blanc mystery series, particularly Knives Out and Glass Onion. These films have rekindled interest in whodunit stories within the industry, leading to a resurgence of shows such as Matlock, A Man on the Inside, Elsbeth, Only Murders In The Building, Deadloch, and others. With a desire to explore another unconventional mystery series, my wife and I recently began watching High Potential on ABC. We’re fans of Kaitlin Olson, and the premise of a genius cleaning lady hired by police for their investigations has us hooked.

What stands out is that the program seems overly similar to Natasha Lyonne’s “Poker Face”… a detectives series boasting exceptional scriptwriting.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the striking similarities between Rian Johnson’s latest project, “Poker Face,” and his previous works. It seems like he just has an overflow of intricate mysteries in his mind, yearning for a creative outlet to be expressed. While some might dispute my comparison, let me explain why these shows share more than just a creator.

On the one hand, you have “Poker Face,” a gripping (yet frequently amusing) character drama that requires a Peacock subscription to stream. On the other, there’s the TV series Johnson has crafted, a witty blend of drama and comedy that appeals to all audiences. Despite their distinct formats, they share a common thread – the masterful storytelling of Rian Johnson.

In my opinion, these shows share two key aspects: they both star exceptionally intelligent female protagonists who possess an extraordinary ability to perceive details at crime scenes. The narrative structure involves resolving a weekly crime, along with gradually unveiling a larger enigma hidden beneath the surface.

Katlin Olson and Natasha Lyonne are exceptionally skilled in their respective roles. Their characters have a disregard for authority, and they aren’t hesitant to bend the rules when helping those in need (and challenging the status quo, which is a key aspect of both series). Both actresses excel at explaining technical terms or providing necessary information that advances the mysteries within the comedic framework. However, in my opinion, “Poker Face” surpasses “High Potential,” particularly after the first season on Peacock, primarily due to its exceptional writing.

In the first season of Poker Face, we evaluated each episode. Even in the weakest one, the character played by Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Cale, finds herself in an unexpected and lethal predicament that showcases the less glamorous parts of our vast nation. As the season progresses, Charlie, who has a unique talent for detecting lies, travels from state to state, resolving crimes and aiding the innocent. However, she is also evading a pursuer portrayed by Benjamin Bratt. The season finale, titled “The Hook,” reveals why Charlie is in hiding. The way that “The Hook” ties together various storylines from throughout the season deserves a standing ovation.

It’s possible that High Potential will achieve even greater success. I must admit, I’m captivated by the ongoing mystery surrounding Morgan’s (Olson) missing first husband, Roman. The stories in Season 1 of High Potential have become increasingly engaging, however, the show tends to rely excessively on plot devices and coincidences that could be more subtly handled, as demonstrated by Poker Face’s knack for being both clever and concise.

It appears that my main point is: If you’ve been watching “High Potential” on ABC and haven’t caught up with “Poker Face” on Peacock yet, I strongly recommend diving into it now and finishing all episodes before the second season of “Poker Face” premieres on the streaming service. Trust me, it will be worth your time!

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2025-01-18 17:09