High Potential

The High Potential season 2 premiere shows exactly why Morgan is one of the most interesting new characters on TV.

With its fast-paced storytelling, jump cuts and premium sheen, this isn’t perhaps the “cosy crime” drama of Ludwig or Death in Paradise that we’re more accustomed to on British television, but it’s certainly a nod to an era when TV producers knew that easy watching had high potential for big audiences — let’s hope it’s the start of a new trend.

It’s undeniably moreish, as far as television goes. Olson is funny, yes, no surprise there. But best of all, nothing about the show seems all that real, and, though there are stakes and a longer mystery that will presumably unfold over the course of the entire season, it doesn’t really matter.

Sometimes all it takes is the right casting to make a show that on paper sounds “meh” turn out so much better. That’s the case here thanks to the likeable lead performance by Kaitlin Olson.

Olson, who's honed her comic chops for years, brings winning flippancy and an undercurrent of warmth to Morgan. [7 - 27 Oct 2024, p.6]

You can easily see how it could run for many seasons to come. But if just a little more attention were paid to the supporting characters, it would make watching all of those seasons much more enjoyable.

“High Potential” struggles to ground itself in solid storytelling and create fully realized characters, even when they are one-offs. A case-of-the-week structure requires a specific skill and I worry writers are out of practice.

Fans of Crime Procedurals will enjoy this show! Particularly those who liked shows like Good Girls, Bones, Tru Calling and Sleepy Hollow. Although, this show has no real paranormal aspect to the study like the former two mentioned - the ideals presented are pretty awesome and the comedic relief interlaced between the serious scenes make for moments of levity that carry through well to make for a very enjoyable and entertaining program. I was hooked by episode one and would say it is now in the top favorite new fall shows that I've watched thus far.

High Potential is honestly such a fun show. The main character is super likable, the cases are interesting, and the humor actually lands. It’s got that perfect mix of mystery and heart without trying too hard. The whole thing just feels fresh and easy to watch. If you like crime shows but want something a little different, this is definitely worth checking out. Solid 9/10, would binge again.

Whimsical, fun and witty those are the high points. Horribly predictable, over thought dialogue are the standout faults. I enjoy the concept, but the overacting of the lead becomes difficult to digest quickly. Not every line has to be a “one liner”, it loses believability.

This is a likable show. I enjoy it but there is 1 thing that bugs me. Morgan's wardrobe is too new and high end for a broke mother of three who has a hard time holding down a job. It makes the character less believable. It’s not about her style, it’s about the obvious quality of the clothing. Think Nordstrom vs. Target. She reminds me of female lawyers on shows like Suits or the character who’s the mom of Lucifer on the show Lucifer. Multiple leather and suede jackets, leather skirts, pants, and shorts. Blouses that are definitely high end. Every color of boots. Just not believable. I find that many shows fall short in fashion. This one misses the mark big time.

Very mediocre, its just a once more cop series with no real interesting thing or something new in it. They just wanted to make a female Sherlock...