High Potential is a fun and light-hearted American crime series, which has the (high) potential to become a long-running favorite. If you know me, you know I am a sucker for generic American crime shows. And I can tell you from my (too) vast experience with the genre, we have got something promising here. While at times a tad bit unrealistic, High Potential knows what it wants to do and does it well. It is light-hearted when it can, and heavy when it needs to be, precisely what we want from these types of shows.
While at times a tad bit unrealistic, High Potential knows what it wants to do and does it well
The story begins with Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson), a janitor at the Los Angeles Police Department, accidentally knocking over a box of murder evidence while cleaning. Upon closer inspection, she realizes the detectives have missed some key clues and rearranges the evidence. Frustrated but curious about what she noticed, the detectives grudgingly let her in on the case. Of course, Gillory quickly solves it. It turns out she’s incredibly intelligent, though she struggles to hold down a job due to her compulsive tendencies.
As the season progresses, Gillory is brought on as a consultant and partners with Detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) to solve more cases, often using unconventional methods. Their relationship starts off rocky but gradually becomes more collaborative as they work together.
Besides her turbulent work life, Gillory has a perhaps even more turbulent home life, with three children to take care of. Luckily, she has a good relationship with her ex, the father of two of her children. The mystery surrounding the father of her third child provides a storyline that unfolds throughout the season.
Olson is the perfect casting choice to play Gillory. She nails the character, from the jokes to the more serious moments, and most definitely the outfits. Her experience as a comedy actress (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) undoubtedly have helped her get the comedic timing down.
If they manage to keep this up, this show has the potential to get into a list of classics
It should be said that not everything is as realistic as it could be. Often, choices have been made for (plot-)convenience. Nothing too outrageous, however, has happened in this first season, so I managed to look past it.
If they manage to keep this up, this show has the potential to get into a list of classics like Castle, The Mentalist, and White Collar. We are not quite there yet, but this first season is a promising start. With the second season around the corner, I’m eager to see if they can keep up the momentum.
About the writer, Nienke de Boode
She started with watching NCIS, CSI and Bones, but over time her passion for TV shows has grown to what it is today, with dozens of shows that need to be watched. You can always wake her up for a good crime show, but she is also open to different things. Comedy and fantasy are on her list of favourites as well. Since October 2014, she also writes for MySeries to combine her love for TV shows and writing.
