Police procedurals are still a dime a dozen on television, but these days networks favor characters that put a unique spin on the genre. Series like CBS’s “Elsbeth,” NBC’s “The Irrational” and ABC’s “Will Trent” are crime dramas that focus on consultants or detectives who can investigate crime scenes from perspectives that set them apart from the average cop. ABC’s ‘High Potential,’ created by Drew Goddard and based on the French show ‘Haut Potentionel Intellectuel (HPI)’, follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a professional cleaning lady and single mother of three, whose unique vantage point and genius-level IQ lands her in an advisory role with 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 tuned in.
‘High Potential’ begins on a seemingly ordinary evening in LA. Morgan leaves the house and boards the bus for work, cleaning the homicide unit office. Although the bubbly blonde seems mostly focused on the music coming from her red fire department headset, an overturned evidence box and a whiteboard showing the department’s current case catch her attention. Unable to stop herself, she begins analyzing the case photos before boldly crossing off the suspect on the board. Instead, she labels the woman a victim.
When the detectives arrive at work the next day, they are unhappy that their work is being questioned. After seeing Morgan on the office cameras, Selena (Judy Reyes), the unit’s lieutenant, calls her to explain her actions. Uptight Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) is immediately annoyed by Morgan’s presence and refusal to follow protocols. However, Morgan’s compulsion and talent for correcting mistakes impress Selena and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Although initially reluctant and unwelcome by Karadec, Morgan begins to consult on various investigations, pointing out clues that the police had overlooked or failed to recognize as important.
While it doesn’t break new ground, ‘High Potential’ is fine. Olson — an Emmy nominee for “Hacks” and longtime cast member of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” — is more than capable as Morgan, a woman who seems content to walk to the beat of her own drum, even as it irritates 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 stiletto boots, adds texture to the character. Furthermore, because her wardrobe is completely impractical for navigating crime scenes, she is chronically underestimated by those she tries to help or accuse.
Morgan’s family life is also intriguing. She has 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 tight financial situation indicate that she has alternative reasons for accepting Selena’s offer to seek advice from the homicide unit.
“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 first appears that a man has overdosed and accidentally drowned in a hotel bathroom, the case quickly turns into a very complex crime involving identity theft, greed, fraud and revenge. Additionally, Morgan learns that her lax attitude toward rules and regulations could endanger her new colleagues.
“High Potential” has some nice moments, but much of what the show has to offer is quite expected. The show is clearly moving toward an extended will-they-won’t-they between Morgan and Karadec. While some cases have some notable twists, most of the clues are pretty obvious to those who have seen a network crime drama. Still, with Olson in charge and capable actors supporting her, the series is perfectly adequate formula television.
“High Potential” premieres on ABC on September 17, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.