The Surprising Reasons Morgan and Karadec Are Better as Friends in ‘High Potential’

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  • For Now, the Relationship Seems Purely Platonic
  • A Romance Would Complicate Things
  • Some Fans Really Want a “Will They, Won’t They” Arc

The gripping ABC crime series titled “High Potential,” which debuted in September 2024, has been receiving overwhelming praise. Viewers have been captivated by the on-screen partnership of Morgan (played by Kaitlin Olson) and Karadec (portrayed by Daniel Sunjata), as they delve into cases and unravel crimes. However, for some fans, this is essentially the sole aspect they wish to witness.

In shows like ours, romantic subplots are still possible. In fact, they’ve been featured in numerous other series, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The X-Files. When executed well, these love stories can be quite engaging, often arising from an undenied connection between the main characters that leaves viewers excited when their “will they, won’t they” tension is finally resolved with a shared kiss or declaration of feelings. However, it would be unwise for our show, High Potential, to follow this path if we wish to maintain its current level of popularity.

Morgan and Karadec’s History

As a dedicated movie-goer, let me share with you the captivating tale of Morgan, a resilient single mother in the gripping TV series, “High Potential”. Working as a cleaner at a bustling police station, she leads an ordinary life – that is, until an extraordinary opportunity comes knocking.

Using her sharp intellect and keen eye for detail, she leaves her mark on a police board one night, presenting evidence that points towards an overlooked suspect. The strict detective, Karadec, finds this move annoying and thinks she should be reprimanded. However, Captain Selena (played by the talented Judy Reyes) recognizes Morgan’s potential. She extends an offer for Morgan to join her team as a consultant, working closely with Karadec on various cases. Selena sees Morgan’s unique talents and believes she could be a valuable asset – and she proves Selena right in more ways than one.

Initially, I found myself hesitant, even irritated by Morgan’s unorthodox approach and disregard for formalities. However, as I began to grasp that beneath her unusual exterior lies a sharp intellect, I couldn’t help but notice she was helping me perceive things I had overlooked before. In fact, many others would likely miss these insights too. Together, our problem-solving capabilities skyrocketed, and I found myself working more effectively with Morgan.

A budding friendship seems to be developing between Morgan and Karadec, as demonstrated when Morgan offers dating and fashion advice to Karadec. Their bond deepens during a case discussion late at night, with Morgan revealing to him about the woman he previously proposed to. He even goes so far as to ask for help in finding her missing first husband. One of the most touching moments of the season occurs when Morgan presents a fake police badge she bought from a dollar store, and Karadec smiles but puts it away in his drawer. Later, after Morgan solves a significant case for them, she discovers the badge pinned to her jacket. Although he remains silent, it’s a small yet impactful gesture of respect – and one that is clearly platonic, as some fans hope it will remain so.

For Now, the Relationship Seems Purely Platonic

Notably, popular police duos on television have paired up, bringing joy to fans. However, what makes the detective series High Potential so captivating is that there’s no palpable romantic tension between Morgan and Karadec. Instead, they both exhibit similar intense personalities and compulsive traits. While she maintains a lighthearted and playful demeanor, he comes off as strict and rather dull compared to her. Remarkably, their professional partnership thrives despite these differences, not because of them.

Morgan’s thought process often keeps her awake throughout the night as she tirelessly works to crack a case. Similarly, Karadec’s dedication to his profession and commitment to justice cause him to do the same. This was evident when she unexpectedly knocked on his door in the dead of night, aware he would be engrossed in the case. They ended up spending an evening sharing Chinese takeout, scrutinizing evidence, and sharing narratives to reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the murder. In essence, it felt like two close friends collaborating on a project, with no hint of guiltiness involved.

Karadec sometimes finds Morgan annoying due to her rule-breaking and independent nature. It seems as if she deliberately disregards or discards rules that Karadec himself might have written. Yet, there’s a charm in their contrasting personalities, as they each contribute positively to the other in unique ways. Interestingly, his evident exasperation with her and her efforts to help him find love rather than pursue it herself, add an endearing touch to their relationship.

A Romance Would Complicate Things

Many fans are hesitant about their union because the mystery surrounding her ex-husband, Roman, has been a central plot point since the beginning. Although he disappeared without a trace, Morgan instinctively believed that he wouldn’t abandon her and their child so abruptly. Recent discoveries by Selena seem to support her intuition.

In every new installment of the ongoing narrative, there seems to be a strong possibility that things will eventually be wrapped up. At most, it might involve Roman re-entering Morgan’s life, or an unexpected twist revealing he cannot do so. Given this development, it appears that romance is off the table for her as she grapples with this reality. Interestingly, Karadec has become involved in the investigation to uncover the truth about what happened, and based on sneak peeks of future episodes, he has confirmed that Roman is indeed still alive.

The departure of Tom (JD Pardo), who has been the only romantic prospect for Morgan so far, to pursue a new job, hints that the show intends to keep Morgan professionally engaged rather than romantically involved. This move might also serve to provoke a sense of subconscious jealousy in Karadec. As Sunjata explains to TV Insider, “If Karadec is jealous, I don’t think he’s aware of it.” During the police banquet event where Tom returns, invited by Morgan, Karadec appears content seeing Morgan happy. However, his expression when she enters in an elegant dress and they slow dance together suggests that his feelings towards her might have transcended beyond friendship.

Some Fans Really Want a “Will They, Won’t They” Arc

The show may be considering a romantic connection between the two characters, delighting those fans who have long wanted to see them together as a couple. However, Morgan perceives her abilities as a double-edged sword, having strained every past relationship, making it difficult for her to find love. Her mind is constantly whirring and analyzing, making it hard for her to slow down.

Some people think Karadec might be the individual who genuinely comprehends and approves of her, given their shared traits and mutual dedication to doing what is right. However, despite his patience and understanding nature, he tends to get flustered easily. They both share an intense focus on work, which could make her restless mind less of a concern for him. Moreover, they feel a moral duty to uphold justice, but their working relationship may blur the lines between professional and personal life, particularly when collaborating on cases while dealing with personal distractions. This complex dynamic might prove challenging, especially since they both find themselves drawn to the same cases.

Occasionally, prolonging certain storylines can prove beneficial for a series, as demonstrated by Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) in Law & Order: SVU. For years, their potential romance was hinted at, with fans eagerly anticipating a kiss that unfortunately never materialized even in the 24th season. The intrigue surrounding their relationship has become a beloved aspect of the show, and it seems that the writers of High Potential might be drawing inspiration from this dynamic.

It’s uncertain what might unfold if “High Potential” persists for numerous future seasons. For the moment, up until the conclusion of season one, viewers are content with the witty exchanges between Morgan and Karadec as coworkers. The theme of police partners falling in love has been excessively used. While it can be effective at times, in this situation, any development beyond mutual appreciation and respect would only disrupt the narrative. frankly, it wouldn’t sit well with the audience.

Stream High Potential on Hulu.

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2025-02-26 06:02