High Potentialbears many similarities toPsych, but the classic detective procedural has one key characteristic that ABC’s drama is sadly lacking. Kaitlin Olson’s work as Morgan Gillory has been nothing short of exemplary throughoutHigh Potential’s exciting cases, but the genius protagonist is far from perfect. Intriguingly,Morgan’s HPI inHigh Potentialsometimes hurts more than it helps.
Nonetheless, Morgan’s character— flaws and all— is easy to root for, especially due to the similarities she bears to familiar quirky detectives like Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez).High Potentialhas solidified its place asPsych’s spiritual successoralready, but season 2 has the opportunity to strengthen its formula (and its main character) by looking to the not-so-distant past.
Unlike Shawn Spencer, High Potential’s Morgan Is A Loner
The biggest difference between Morgan and Shawn is the latter’s childhood best friend, Burton “Gus” Guster (Dulé Hill). AcrossPsych’s eight seasons,the friendship between Shawn and Gus was a constant source of comedic relief and shockingly wholesome moments. While Shawn was a social butterfly,High Potentialmade it clear that Morgan was a lone wolf, whether voluntary or otherwise.
James Roday Rodriguez directedHigh Potential’s first season finale and is expected to return for the procedural’s upcoming second season.
TheHigh Potentialseason 1 finalegave a glimpse into Morgan’s mysterious past, showcasing her lonely upbringing due to her father’s unfair expectations of her. As she explained to Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), Morgan couldn’t even make friends during recess without fearing her father’s judgment. Well into her adult life,Morgan still lacks a typical, age-appropriate friend group.
Gus & Shawn’s Friendship Is Exactly What Morgan Needs In High Potential
The Titular High Potential Intellectual Needs Balance
Morgan doesn’t just deserve a best friend, however— she needs one inHigh Potentialseason 2. Between the serial kidnapper (played by David Giuntoli) who evaded capture inHigh Potentialepisode 13and the impending return of her missing ex,Morgan’s life is approaching a turning point. Now more than ever, Morgan needs a friendly face she can rely on.
Even still,Gus was far more than Shawn’s shoulder to cry on inPsych.In many ways, it’s a time-tested formula: to balance out the misunderstood genius, they need a normal counterpart for camaraderie and support. The juxtaposition, while also humorous, is crucial to stopping the “gifted” characters from becoming caricatures simply due to their special skills.
Can High Potential Season 2 Give Morgan The Platonic Pairing She Deserves?
She’s Surrounded By Complicated Relationship Dynamics
While Morgan is on good terms with her coworkers, none of them are positioned to be her best friend.Morgan and Karadec’s chemistry inHigh Potentialclearly points to their partnership eventually becoming romantic, while her bonds with Selena Soto (Judy Reyes), Daphne Forrester (Javicia Leslie), and Lev “Oz” Ozdil (Deniz Akdeniz) will always be professional first and foremost.
High Potentialreturns Tuesday, September 16 on ABC.
Nonetheless, Morgan making friends besides her children, ex-husband, and coworkers is high on myHigh Potentialseason 2 wishlist. Whether the crime drama introduces a new character entirely or reworks an existing bond,Morgan deserves an uncomplicated relationship, especially in the face of everythingHigh Potentialseason 2 will be throwing at her.
