It’s unlikely anyone saw High Potential being such a hit, but after seven episodes, the show is proving to be fresh across the board. It’s almost hard to believe we have more episodes coming soon.
Then again, the show was created by Drew Goddard, who has worked on several very successful movies and TV series. His involvement might explain why each episode is better than the last.
Between the high-quality plot and talented cast, “High Potential” already feels incredibly mature. However, there are still moments that make us say, “Oh, I don’t like that.”
Even a show as innovative as High Potential is bound to encounter a questionable decision or two when it comes to creative choices. Thankfully, the show’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
After the above statement, it’s no surprise that the best episodes will be the newest ones. Kaitlin Olson was a force of nature in this episode.
At this point, the audience is fully aware of and ready to meet more “Mama Bear” Morgan. Up until this point in the season, there had been a divide between Morgan’s work and home life.
One of Us sees this divide slowly unraveling as Ava and Morgan are taken hostage along with the rest of the precinct. Seeing a new side of Morgan made this episode stand out.
Ever since High Potential began airing, if there was one word to describe Miss Guillory (Caitlin Olsen), it would be “confidence.” However, One of Us gives viewers a Morgan who is terrified of her children’s safety.
Imagine if all three of Morgan’s children were in the precinct. I’m pretty sure her brain would be overloaded and she’d be Liam Neeson in Taken .
All in all, High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 showcased Morgan’s growth into a resourceful, calm person under pressure, and her view of the precinct as a family.
For a show like High Potential, the term “worst” is more subjective. As mentioned above, the series consistently delivers high-quality writing and acting.
So “worst” has nothing to do with production values or even questionable story choices. The worst thing about “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is that Morgan is more or less still in limbo in the precinct.
At this point in the season, she has established her value to the police, but is not yet a true “team player.” Morgan has yet to grasp the protocol, which leads to a rather dangerous situation.
As Morgan attempts to capture a suspected bartender (Ck Bolado), Karadek is forced to chase the man, which then leads to a kitchen standoff. Morgan’s carelessness led Karadek down the path of the chef’s knife.
It’s crazy that there are only three episodes between the best and worst episodes, but it’s one of the many incredible things about High Potential.
Character development itself is a masterclass in keeping police procedurals fresh. While the entire team is great, it’s ultimately Morgan and Karadek’s performance.
One of the unexpected treats in “High Potential” is watching Morgan and Karadek’s relationship develop. They went from hating each other to almost becoming a family.
At first, many viewers, yourself included, were worried that Morgan and Karadek would become romantically involved. Thankfully, with “Croaked,” it’s clear that’s not their destination.
I’ve been saying for a long time that Morgan and Karadek’s relationship reminds me of adult siblings, how playfully they poke at each other.
High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 gave viewers the show’s most hysterical Karadek (Daniel Sunjata) and Morgan moment yet. Only Morgan can ruin Karadek’s date and remain charming throughout.
While it’s adorable that Morgan doesn’t get upset during Karadek’s date with her three kids, the funniest part is how it started.
In case you don’t remember, Morgan jokingly sat at Karadek’s desk and pretended to be his wife with a bunch of kids. It’s a moment of pure humor and lots of great family fun.
Hopefully this will be the last time we discuss Morgan and Karadek’s tough times. Examples like this have become few and far between since Dancer in the Dark.
However, the incident came at the worst possible time for the now very close partners. This was worse than the bartender incident because that was a mistake and this was a full blown temper outburst.
Some viewers may recall that Morgan and Karadek reached a boiling point during a screaming match while working on the tap-dancing mechanics.
Karadek yelled, and Morgan quit on the spot for the second time. Of course, this doesn’t faze Captain Selina (Judy Reyes). When Karadek told Selina Morgan to quit, the captain responded without hesitation: “No, she didn’t.”
The Captain may not be in every episode, but she won’t miss a thing. She’s also not the only lovable character who doesn’t get as much screen time as Morgan and Karadek.
Honorable Mention – Ludo
For the Ludo character, we have to give it to high potential. He certainly doesn’t appear in every episode, but his presence is always felt.
On the one hand, viewers were treated to a refreshing depiction of healthy co-parenting. Ludo (Taran Killam) and Morgan have an open dialogue that helps them maintain a happy and stable lifestyle for their children.
The TV world is increasingly moving away from those clichés about exes not getting along, co-parenting being impossible due to past history and bullshit.
In fact, most parents who are no longer together are able to maintain a respectful relationship. Hell, a lot of the parents remain friends even afterward. It took a while, but television has finally caught up with life.
The characters Olympia and Julian in Matlock are a good example. Despite this, the two are currently on the road to getting back together.
Not so with Ludo and Morgan. Sadly, being a great dad doesn’t mean being a great partner. Now, with handsome janitor Tom, Ludo’s chances are slim.
Still, with a show like High Potential, viewers are advised to expect the unexpected. If you read the spoilers for High Potential Season 1 Episode 7, you know we were prepared for the worst.
This is the first time one of Morgan’s children has been in danger, and there’s no telling how Morgan or Ludo will react later.
We’ll probably still see some backlash when the series returns after fall break, but at least things end on a pretty happy note.
No one was killed, and Morgan got his own desk. Who can say which event is more monumental? Either way, CBS’s high-potential show still lives up to its reputation.
What’s your favorite moment from Season 1 of High Potential so far?
Do you like Morgan’s handsome janitor Tom, or would you rather see her back with Ludo?
Let me know in the comments below! Join me again as I review the next episode of High Potential!
Be on the lookout for high-potential spoilers posted before each new episode!
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