Police dramas are still a dime a dozen on television, but these days networks are focusing on characters that bring a unique twist to the genre. Series like CBS’ Elsbeth, NBC’s The Irrational and ABC’s Will Trent are crime dramas that focus on consultants or investigators who examine crime scenes from a perspective that differs from that of the average cop. ABC’s High Potential, created by Drew Goddard and based on the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI), follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a professional cleaner and single mother of three whose unique perspective and genius IQ land her a consultant role in the Los Angeles Police Department’s homicide unit. While High Potential isn’t exactly revolutionary, Morgan’s eccentricities and the quirky cases the team tackles may be compelling enough to keep audiences hooked.
High Potential begins on a seemingly ordinary night in LA. Morgan leaves her home and gets on the bus to go to her job: cleaning the homicide department’s office. Although the bubbly blonde is mostly focused on the music blaring from her fire-red headphones, an overturned evidence box and a board with the department’s current case catch her attention. She can’t help herself and begins analyzing the photos of the case before brazenly crossing out the suspect on the board. Instead, she labels the woman the victim.
When the detectives arrive at work the next day, they are not happy to have their work questioned. After seeing Morgan on the office cameras, the unit’s lieutenant, Selena (Judy Reyes), calls them in to explain their actions. Uptight Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) is immediately angered by Morgan’s presence and her refusal to follow protocol. However, Morgan’s compulsion and talent for correcting mistakes impress Selena and Detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Although initially hesitant and unwelcome by Karadec, Morgan begins to advise on various investigations, pointing out that leads the police had missed or not considered important were important.
While “High Potential” doesn’t break any new ground, it’s pretty good. Olson — an Emmy nominee for “Hacks” and a longtime member of the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” cast — is more than capable as Morgan, a woman who seems content to dance to her own tune, even if it gets on the nerves of her eldest daughter Ava (Amirah J) and Karadec. In addition to her obsession with the smallest details, Morgan’s fashion sense, which includes miniskirts and sky-high stilettos, adds depth to the character. Plus, because her wardrobe is completely impractical for navigating crime scenes, she’s chronically underestimated by those she’s trying to help or incriminate.
Morgan’s personal life is also fascinating. She maintains a friendly relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ludo (Taran Killam), the father of her two youngest children. However, her strained relationship with her teenage daughter Ava and her strained financial situation suggest other reasons why she accepts Selena’s offer to work as a consultant in the homicide department.
High Potential changed showrunners over the summer after Rob Thomas left the show and was replaced by Todd Harthan. His challenge will be to make the show stand out in an increasingly crowded genre, but episode 3, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel,” is particularly interesting. Although it initially appears as if a man overdosed and accidentally drowned in a hotel bathroom, the case quickly turns into an extremely complex crime involving identity theft, greed, deceit and revenge. In addition, Morgan learns that her lax attitude toward rules and regulations could put her new colleagues at risk.
High Potential has some good moments, but much of what the show has to offer is rather predictable. The series is clearly building to a drawn-out battle between Morgan and Karadec. And while some of the cases have some surprising twists, most of the clues are fairly obvious to those who have watched network crime shows before. Still, with Olson at the helm and talented actors at her side, the series is perfectly adequate, formulaic television.
“High Potential” premieres on ABC on September 17, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.
