Warning: Spoilers for High Potential season 1
Morgan Gillory, portrayed by Kaitlin Olsen in <em>High Potential</em>, frequently stands out as the most intelligent character in any room she enters. However, her brilliance does not equate to perfection. Despite her numerous strengths, Morgan grapples with a substantial flaw that is underscored in a pivotal episode of the show’s first season. This complexity adds depth to her character, making her journey more relatable and engaging for viewers.
Morgan is a humble single mother raising three children while working as a cleaning lady for the LAPD. Yet, she possesses an extraordinary gift: she has been diagnosed with High Intellectual Potential (HIP), boasting an impressive IQ of 160. Though often labeled as “intellectually gifted,” she perceives this ability as a double-edged sword. Her mind is relentless, constantly seeking solutions to problems even when they arise unexpectedly. While her intelligence is undeniable, it doesn’t guarantee that she is infallible, presenting intriguing possibilities for High Potential’s second season.
Discover How High Potential Episode 11 Highlights Morgan’s Limitations
Explore Morgan’s Distractions and Preoccupations
Morgan swiftly showcased her exceptional abilities after stepping into the role of a consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes department. This former cleaning lady possesses a unique perspective, allowing her to identify details overlooked by others, which aids in uncovering the real victims and suspects in various investigations. Despite her intelligence, High Potential has made it clear that she isn’t omniscient. In the eleventh episode of the first season, Morgan was unaware of a significant cold case that Lieutenant Soto had previously investigated, which revolved around a wealthy family and garnered considerable media attention. Karadec’s astonishment at Morgan’s ignorance, despite her incredible cognitive abilities, highlights a fascinating facet of her character.
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Potential Improvements for Morgan’s Children in Season 2 of High Potential
The series has an opportunity to enhance the portrayal of Morgan’s children as it moves into the next season.
At the time of the murder, it becomes clear that Morgan was preoccupied with her parenting duties. A flashback reveals her tending to a baby, Elliot, while her toddler, Ava, plays in the background. This moment emphasizes how certain life events have contributed to Morgan’s limited awareness of critical situations within her community.
How Morgan’s Limitations Elevate the Excitement in High Potential
Giving Other Characters Opportunities to Shine in High Potential
Being a genius serves as a captivating premise for the series, effectively attracting new viewers to High Potential. However, relying solely on this hook risks becoming repetitive and predictable. Each investigation could potentially be resolved effortlessly, thanks to Morgan’s vast reservoir of obscure information. The finale of season 1 showcased her exceptional ability to leverage this knowledge, allowing her to solve a case that stumped everyone else.
To maintain viewer engagement, the series must depict the police actively solving cases while also incorporating a character flaw that renders the protagonist relatable and human.
In order to keep the narrative engaging, the series must depict the police effectively solving cases, but it also needs to introduce a character flaw that makes the main character relatable and human. High Potential achieves this through Morgan’s vulnerability. Her lack of awareness regarding community happenings could pose significant challenges in future investigations. This raises critical questions about how the LAPD will tackle the mysteries ahead, thereby increasing the stakes for both the characters and the audience.
