Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for High Potential season 1, episode 11.High Potentialepisode 11 continued showing off Morgan’s (Kaitlin Olson) deductive skills, but it also introduced the biggest obstacle to her success with the LAPD. “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs” followed a case from Selena’s (Judy Reyes) past that she decided to bring Morgan to for one last chance at the truth. Selena’s boss, Chief Pacheko (Keith David), disapproved of the investigation, and based on a few choice words, the Chief disapproved of Morgan as well. Although Olson’s performance is the mainreason to watchHigh Potential, episode 11 proved not everyone enjoys her quirkiness.
What makes Morgan stand out from the crowd can also potentially be what ostracizes her from other people. The way she was recruited to be a special consultant for the LAPD was very unconventional, but her capability should speak for itself. The introduction ofthe Chief is a necessary roadblock to add more long-term conflict, which is whatHigh Potentialseason 2needs to capitalize on. Morgan may have proven herself this time, but the Chief’s disrespect of her position will surely carry over into future episodes.
Morgan Has Already Endeared Herself To All Of Her LAPD Co-Workers
The Major Crimes Unit Loves Her
Up to episode 11,Morgan has been well-liked inHigh Potential.Coworkers Daphne (Javicia Forrester) and Selena both liked her from the start, Oz (Deniz Akdeniz) bends to her every whim, and even Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) quickly grew fond of her despite disagreeing with her initial employment. ThoughMorgan and Karadec’s chemistry inHigh Potentialis certainly a selling point, her professional relationships are just as captivating.
StreamHigh Potentialand its French predecessorHPIon Hulu.
Morgan was previously a cleaner for the LAPD, which is how she accidentally stumbled on a murder investigation in the first place. Consequently, her past role has inspired preconceived notions in others regarding her intelligence and suitability for the role. Yet, most of the LAPD surprisingly embraced her with open arms. While the vast majority of her coworkers liking her is a good thing, Morgan needs a little adversity for the sake of her narrative arc inHigh Potential. With the introduction of Chief Pacheko, Morgan will finally have some much-needed conflict to raise the stakes.
LAPD’s Higher-Up Still Isn’t Sold On Morgan’s Skills As Seen In High Potential Episode 11
The Chief Still Sees Her As The Cleaning Lady
Despite being upset with Selena for going behind his back to reopen an old investigation, the Chief took his anger out on Morgan and nearly risked her entire position. InHigh Potentialepisode 11, Morgan and Karadec were working against the clock to try and help Selena solve the cold case, all the while knowing it wasn’t strictly above board. Before Morgan cracked the case, Chief Pacheko barged in to shut it and the“cleaning lady experiment”down. Aside from almost firing her, the tirade displayed howthe Chief holds no respect for Morgan or her work inHigh Potential.
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Looking back, Elliot’s (Matthew Lamb) episode 10 experience could explain Morgan’s past inHigh Potentialand how the Chief’s open disregard for Morgan will cause strife. Just like her son, Morgan’s personality is causing a rift between her and someone she’s meant to work with. While Elliot’s intelligence makes him an outcast in his class,Morgan’s status as a High Potential Intellectual has failed to convince all of her superiors. Elliot may be able to age out of his rude cohorts, but Morgan can’t escape the Chief, meaning his reservations regarding her will need to be addressed inHigh Potential.
How Morgan Can Justify Her Role In LAPD Moving Forward In High Potential
Something’s Got To Give, But Morgan Might Not Want To
Despite her wit and sense of humor, Morgan takes her role seriously and puts her all into every case.High Potentialhas shown her staying up late poring over case files, working overnight with Karadec to try and find a missing detail, and even watching hours upon hours of baseball commentary to decode a single phrase.Part of Morgan’s hard work stems from her compulsive need to understand things, but she also cares deeply about every case she works. She’s passionate about getting families answers because she’s been in their shoes— and still is, withHigh Potential’s ongoing Roman mystery.
Morgan will either have to stifle her personality or give up on trying to win over the higher-ups and suits.
Needless to say, her dedication to solving crime should be enough justification. However, in order to prove herself, Morgan will likely have to give up her individuality. Some of the best parts ofHigh Potentialinclude Morgan’s wardrobe and the way she always says exactly what she’s thinking. While that’s entertaining, it will read as unprofessional to traditionalists. Morgan will either have to stifle her personality or give up on trying to win over the higher-ups and suits. In turn,High Potentialwill either have Morgan compromise her entire character or continue walking a precarious path with the LAPD.
