Kaitlin Olson Is The Reason ABC’s High Potential Is So Great, But It Also Avoids Some Of My Biggest Problems With Quirky Procedurals

Kaitlin Olson Is The Reason ABC's High Potential Is So Great, But It Also Avoids Some Of My Biggest Problems With Quirky Procedurals

As a seasoned gamer who has seen his fair share of procedural TV shows, let me tell you that High Potential is a breath of fresh air. I’ve watched countless series where the lead character is so smart they make everyone else look like dunces, and it gets old fast. But in High Potential, Kaitlin Olson’s Morgan isn’t just a genius, she’s also a bumbling mess, which makes her more relatable.


Mild spoilers for anyone who hasn’t yet watched possibly the best new show of the 2024 Fall TV season, High Potential, so be mildly warned!

Among the most popular shows this year, particularly within the realm of television broadcasts, is ABC’s witty and cleverly humorous series titled “High Potential“. Crafted by Drew Goddard, inspired by the French series “HPI“, the dramedy is graced with the exceptional acting abilities of Kaitlin Olson, a mainstay from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia“. In this role as single mom Morgan, Olson has an opportunity to display her dramatic talents more extensively.

Although Olson stands out as a delightful standout among this group of experienced TV performers, and Morgan’s rapid crime theories make for an excellent supplement, “High Potential” keeps me engaged and impressed by steering clear of common television procedural cliches that have been a problem for numerous series following the “unconventional outsider assists police in solving crimes” formula. So let the applause, albeit slow, commence.

Kaitlin Olson Is The Reason ABC's High Potential Is So Great, But It Also Avoids Some Of My Biggest Problems With Quirky Procedurals

This Isn’t A Show Where One Genius Makes Everyone Else Look Terrible At Their Jobs

To be honest, there’s nothing I find more frustrating these days than TV shows where the lead character’s arrogance equals their intelligence, and they refuse to acknowledge their own mistakes, all while working alongside a team that seems more like a collection of incompetents who were probably only hired because they could barely tie their own shoes. It feels like prime-time programming is stuck on this unrealistic professional imbalance, sacrificing even a hint of realism just so the main character can always appear smarter than everyone else around them.

Get Your Kaitlin Olson Fix

How To Watch High Potential Online And Stream New Episodes Weekly From Anywhere

Despite being High Potential, Karadec, Daphne, Oz, and Selena, portrayed by Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, and Judy Reyes respectively, do not intentionally make their LAPD precinct appear incompetent to boost Morgan’s ego. Instead, they all demonstrate proficiency and integrity in their roles, suggesting that the city would not collapse under a pile of unsolved cases solely because Morgan is absent. Olson’s character serves as a valuable aid rather than the sole solution for resolving crimes.

In addition, while Morgan can draw upon her exceptional photographic memory and encyclopedic knowledge to aid in casework, it’s important to note that her intelligence does not translate universally into all areas of her life. She, too, stumbles and struggles like everyone else, albeit with an impressive command of botany, war history, furniture upholstery, and a variety of other subjects when needed.

Kaitlin Olson Is The Reason ABC's High Potential Is So Great, But It Also Avoids Some Of My Biggest Problems With Quirky Procedurals

Morgan And Karadec Are Neither Enemies Nor Burgeoning Lovers

After only four episodes, it’s not yet clear if the creative team behind High Potential plans to introduce romantic undertones between Morgan (played by Olson) and Karadec (portrayed by Sunjata). However, for now, I’m pleased that they are choosing to keep those storylines subtly hinted rather than bringing them to the forefront.

While I’m not opposed to either character experiencing happiness, it’s important to note. If the story reaches a stage where their romantic relationship becomes plausible and fitting, I’ll certainly keep an open mind. However, at this initial phase of the series, I’m delighted that their interaction reflects more of a strong professional bond rather than a romantic one.

Similarly, I’m glad that the character Karadec isn’t being portrayed as an overly possessive and ungrateful individual who struggles with Morgan’s helpful nature. Creating such a contentious relationship would be simple and unoriginal, and I would certainly voice my disapproval if it were already in place. However, for now, their interactions remain strictly professional and friendly.

Kaitlin Olson Is The Reason ABC's High Potential Is So Great, But It Also Avoids Some Of My Biggest Problems With Quirky Procedurals

No Constant Drama Between Morgan And Ludo

Just as I find Morgan’s peaceful relationship with Karadec delightful, I also appreciate how Taran Killam’s character Ludo has been nothing but kind and helpful in the early Season 1 episodes instead of causing any trouble. When Taran Killam, a veteran from Saturday Night Live, was cast as Morgan’s ex-husband who fathered two of her children, it seemed like there could be some playful disagreements at the very least.

Following their brief spat while sharing a jail cell during the series premiere, Morgan and Ludo’s friendship has been remarkably free of tension, which I find quite satisfying. This is largely due to the charming and intelligent character portrayed by Matthew Lamb’s Elliot, as well as the adorable antics of the youngest cast member, whose reaction shots are simply delightful. Consequently, I hope they can steer clear of any personal conflicts.

It could also be intriguing to create a rivalry between Ludo and his eldest daughter Ava (Amirah J), given the ongoing mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. While intense scenes might arise later as more details unfold, it’s wonderful that for now, all characters have begun with positive and harmonious stories, providing a solid foundation to build upon even when events take an unexpected turn.

Over the years, numerous TV dramas have stumbled due to poor plotting that leaves viewers frustrated with plot inconsistencies or unresolved storylines. Shows like these often struggle to gain an audience. However, it seems as though High Potential is poised to redefine the norm for future procedurals, and I can’t help but feel optimistic that other showrunners are taking note.

On Tuesdays at 10:00 PM Eastern Time, you can catch “High Potential” on ABC television. If you’re a Hulu subscriber, you can also stream the latest episodes a day after their initial broadcast.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-10-17 19:37