Entertainment Blog #295 | High Potential [2024 -] : Familiar but Refreshing Crime-Solving Drama..

The premise of High Potential resonates with many, reflecting the challenges of balancing personal life and professional ambitions. Morgan, a single mother with extraordinary cognitive abilities, navigates the complexities of motherhood while assisting law enforcement in solving crimes. This duality mirrors the real-life struggles faced by many parents who juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities, making the series relatable yet somewhat formulaic.

Premiering on September 17, 2024, on ABC, High Potential is an American adaptation of the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Drew Goddard, known for his work on The Martian and Daredevil, the show stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan and features a solid supporting cast including Daniel Sunjata as Detective Karadec and Javicia Leslie as Daphne. The series aims to blend crime-solving with comedic elements, a combination that has garnered attention but also raised expectations.

The plot unfolds around Morgan, a single mother struggling to make ends meet while raising her three children. Despite her challenges, she possesses a remarkable intellect that allows her to see patterns and connections others overlook. When she inadvertently becomes involved in a police investigation due to her job as a cleaner at the precinct, she forms an unexpected partnership with Detective Karadec.

Their dynamic is both humorous and tense, as they navigate their differing approaches to crime-solving—Morgan’s intuitive methods clash with Karadec’s strict adherence to protocol. This partnership sets the stage for a series of intriguing cases that highlight Morgan's unique abilities while exploring her personal life.As the series progresses, viewers witness Morgan's evolution from an underestimated single mom to a pivotal player in solving crimes.

Each episode presents new challenges that test her skills and resilience, while also delving into her relationships with her children and the detective. The show cleverly balances humor with serious themes, allowing for moments of levity amidst the tension of criminal investigations. However, despite its engaging premise, some may find the narrative follows familiar tropes seen in other crime dramas.

What sets High Potential apart from other series is its focus on a female protagonist who defies stereotypes associated with both motherhood and intelligence. Unlike typical crime shows that center on male detectives or lone geniuses, this series emphasizes the complexity of being a single mother while showcasing how intellect can manifest in unconventional ways. While it shares similarities with shows like The Mentalist, it brings a fresh perspective by intertwining familial obligations with crime-solving.

Critical reception has been mixed but generally favorable, with an IMDb rating of 7.8/10 indicating that audiences appreciate its blend of humor and drama. The series holds an 88% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, based on 16 critic reviews with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's critics' consensus reads, "With the ineffable Kaitlin Olson on hand to inject some spiky personality into a familiar formula, High Potential is a solid procedural with plenty of upside." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 70 out of 100 based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. Critics have noted Olson's performance as a standout element that injects personality into the narrative, though some have pointed out that editing could use improvement to enhance pacing.

In terms of production details, High Potential has a budget typical for network television dramas but has managed to attract significant viewership since its premiere. The show's unique premise and strong lead have generated buzz among audiences eager for fresh content on ABC. As it continues to air weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET, it remains to be seen whether it can maintain viewer interest or if it will surrender to the pitfalls of predictability common in procedural dramas.

High Potential offers an intriguing blend of crime-solving and family dynamics led by a charismatic performance from Kaitlin Olson. While it presents relatable themes and engaging storylines, it risks falling into familiar patterns that may limit its long-term appeal. Nevertheless, for those seeking a light-hearted yet thoughtful take on crime drama, this series holds promise worth exploring.