Quick Links
- What Is ‘High Potential‘ About?
- What’s So Endearing About Morgan in ‘High Potential’?
- She’s a Caring Mother
- Her Dynamic With Others
- Her Empathy for People Involved in Cases
- Her Brilliant Mind
- What Fans and Critics Have to Say About High Potential
As a seasoned television critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that High Potential has truly captured my heart and left me utterly captivated. Coming from someone who has seen it all, from the golden era of Must See TV to the current streaming age, this show stands out as a breath of fresh air in today’s crowded television landscape.
The recently debuted ABC crime show titled “High Potential” has resonated with audiences. Gathering a robust 94% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s generally considered to be one of the most compelling series currently airing during ABC’s prime-time schedule.
Given the strong possibility of another season and the initial one coming to an end around mid-November, now is an ideal moment to ponder over the factors that have contributed to the immense popularity of the Kaitlin Olson show.
What Is ‘High Potential’ About?
The show “High Potential”, modeled after the French series “HPI”, features Kaitlin Olson as Morgan, a hardworking single mother of three who spends her nights cleaning an LAPD office. However, she’s not just any character; she boasts a remarkable IQ of 160, an exceptional memory that never forgets, and a keen eye for perceiving, interpreting, and understanding situations in a distinctive manner.
When Morgan stumbles upon case files during cleaning, she makes a revelation she believes the police overlooked. Overwhelmed with excitement, she jots down her findings on the whiteboard, which the officers spot in the morning. A glance at the security camera footage soon reveals the culprit. Instead of expressing remorse, Morgan maintains that she discovered evidence to solve the case, pointed out flaws in their investigation, and wanted to lend a hand.
The only one willing to listen is Selena (Judy Reyes), head of the Major Crimes Division, who sees something in Morgan. She allows her to share her findings, and it turns out that she’s right. Her incredible skills lead Selena to offer Morgan a job as a consultant, working on cases alongside the reluctant detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata). While Morgan is initially skeptical, she realizes the money and job security are too good to pass up.
In the series, Morgan teams up with Karadec initially, but her casual approach to police procedures and unconventional tactics make the strict officer uncomfortable. However, Selena firmly believes that Morgan will be beneficial for every case, and she turns out to be right. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on behind the scenes in this series.
What’s So Endearing About Morgan in ‘High Potential’?
One captivating aspect of High Potential that leaves viewers spellbound is the character of Morgan and the exceptional performance by Olson. While many find her gifted, Morgan herself struggles under the weight of her intelligence. She doesn’t perceive situations as an average person would, which lands her in trouble in all aspects of life, be it relationships or careers. Despite her immense intellect, she finds it challenging to maintain stability because her unique thought process consistently creates problems.
She’s a Caring Mother
Despite being single, she’s an affectionate and diligent mom to her three kids, always putting their needs first. Although she’s no longer in a relationship with the father of her youngest two, they maintain a cordial bond. Interestingly, her ex-partner Ludo (Taran Killam) is employed as part of her LAPD contract to look after the children when Morgan is at work. This arrangement suits him well, as it provides him with a generous income for taking care of his own children and an older stepdaughter. He continues to work as a driving instructor but on a part-time basis.
Her Dynamic With Others
The relationship between Morgan and every cast member on the show is a key reason fans adore the series. Over the course of the program, Karadec’s opinion of Morgan evolves from contempt to respect. Despite her actions frequently annoying and irritating him, Morgan consistently demonstrates her worth. Eventually, he comes to recognize her value and enjoys having her as part of the team.
Simultaneously, Morgan – one of TV’s strongest female characters – plays a role in helping Karadec become more relaxed. There are hints that he appreciates her insights beyond their professional lives. For instance, in an episode, she suggests the color shirt he should wear for a date, and surprisingly, he wears it during his date. On another occasion, she unexpectedly intrudes on his date to discuss case developments, and he’s actually wearing the suggested shirt. Moreover, she manages to persuade him, at times, to bend the rules when it doesn’t endanger a case or anyone involved, but instead benefits them in some way.
The connection between them both is genuinely uplifting. Their friendship is growing steadily, with Selena taking the initiative to delve into the enigmatic disappearance of Morgan’s first spouse, trusting her intuition that something wasn’t quite right about it. Typically, people tend to underestimate Morgan due to her blond hair, mini skirts, and high heels; however, Selena appears to be one of the few who recognizes Morgan’s untapped abilities. It’s heartening to observe two women who aren’t in conflict with each other but share a mutual appreciation, especially considering that one holds a higher position of power.
Her Empathy for People Involved in Cases
Besides excelling as a loving mother, Morgan is equally compassionate. Her determination to solve cases stems from a heartfelt wish to aid those she believes are wrongfully accused and mourning. It’s important to note that dealing with deceased individuals and suspected murderers isn’t her usual line of work, and her reactions to such situations seem genuine for someone without police training or hardened by prolonged exposure to these tragic circumstances.
Her Brilliant Mind
Absolutely, what draws viewers to the show is witnessing how remarkably sharp Morgan’s intellect is. She has an uncanny ability to spot minute details in cases that others might overlook, and these seemingly inconsequential items often turn out to be vital clues for the investigations. Her thought process extends beyond conventional angles, as she ponders aspects that others rarely consider. Furthermore, her vast knowledge of trivial facts and trivia aids her in figuring out everything from timelines to reasons why events may not have unfolded as initially believed by the police.
What Fans and Critics Have to Say About High Potential
Enthusiasts and reviewers alike can’t get enough of this show. Compare its streaming performance on Hulu and Disney+, and you’ll see that High Potential‘s debut viewership skyrocketed an astounding 220% – from 3.5 million viewers to 11.5 million within just the initial three days. As reported by US Magazine, High Potential has become ABC’s most-watched series in six years. Stephanie Morgan of Common Sense Media describes it as a blend of “Erin Brockovich” and “Psych,” commending its ability to strike a delightful balance between light drama and heavy comedy, seamlessly integrating crime procedural aspects with the quick-witted humor of Kaitlin Olson.
TV Insider’s Matt Roush notes the amusing dynamic between Olson and Sunjata, where Morgan’s carefree boldness consistently clashes with Karadec’s rule-abiding frustration, resulting in a comical interaction. Robert Lloyd from the Los Angeles Times praises the show for being genuinely funny and charming, largely due to the enjoyable performances of both Olson and Morgan. Tim Stevens from The Spool concisely describes it as a TV series that is well-suited for network television, offering intrigue, a range of emotions, and a captivating cast of charismatic actors. Give Stream High Potential on Hulu a try.
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2024-11-18 01:02