‘High Potential’ Review: ABC’s New Drama Series With Kaitlin Olson

Police procedurals are still a dime a dozen on television, but these days, networks champion characters that bring a unique spin to the genre. Series like CBS’ “Elsbeth,” NBC’s “The Irrational,” and ABC ‘s “Will Trent” are crime dramas focusing on consultants or detectives who can examine crime scenes using perspectives that distinguish them from the average cop. Created by Drew Goddard and based on the French show “Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI),” ABC’s “ High Potential ” follows Morgan ( Kaitlin Olson ), a professional cleaner and single mother of three, whose distinct vantage point and genius-level IQ lands her a consulting role in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Homicide Division. While “High Potential” isn’t exactly revolutionary, Morgan’s eccentricities and the quirky cases the team tackles are perhaps engaging enough to keep audiences tuned in.

“High Potential” begins on a seemingly ordinary L.A. night. Morgan leaves home and boards the bus for her job, cleaning the homicide unit office. Though the bubbly blonde seems mainly focused on the music blasting from her fire-engine red headphones, an overturned evidence box and a whiteboard outlining the department’s current case grab her attention. Unable to stop herself, she begins analyzing the photographs from the case before boldly crossing out the suspect on the board. Instead, she labels the woman as the victim.

When the detectives arrive at work the following day, they don’t take kindly to their work being questioned. After seeing Morgan on the office cameras, Selena (Judy Reyes), the unit’s lieutenant, calls her in to explain her actions. Uptight Detective Adam Karadec ( Daniel Sunjata ) is immediately annoyed by Morgan’s presence and refusal to follow protocols. However, Morgan’s compulsion and knack for correcting mistakes impress Selena and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Though she’s initially reluctant and not welcomed by Karadec, Morgan begins consulting on various investigations, pointing out clues that the police had overlooked or failed to assess were important.

Though it’s not breaking any new ground, “High Potential” is fine. Olson — an Emmy nominee for “Hacks,” and a longtime member of the company of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” — is more than capable as Morgan, a woman who appears content to walk to the beat of her own drum, even when it grates the nerves of her eldest daughter Ava (Amirah J) and Karadec. In addition to her obsession with the most minor details, Morgan’s fashion sense, which includes miniskirts and sky-high stiletto boots, offers texture to the character. Additionally, since her wardrobe is wholly impractical for navigating crime scenes, she is chronically underestimated by those she’s trying to help or incriminate.

Morgan’s home life is also intriguing. She has a friendly relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ludo (Taran Killam), the father of her two youngest children. However, her strained relationship with her teen daughter, Ava, and her tight financial situation suggests she has alternative reasons for accepting Selena’s offer to consult in the homicide division.

“High Potential” switched showrunners during the summer after Rob Thomas left the show , and was replaced by Todd Harthan . His challenge will be making the show stand out in an increasingly crowded genre, but Episode 3, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel,” is particularly interesting. Though it first appears that a man has overdosed and accidentally drowned in a hotel bathroom, the case quickly morphs into a deeply complex crime involving stolen identity, greed, scamming and vengeance. Moreover, Morgan learns that her lax attitude toward rules and regulations could endanger her new colleagues.

“High Potential” has some bright moments, but much of what the show has to offer is rather expected. The show is clearly building toward a long-drawn-out will-they-won’t-they between Morgan and Karadec. Also, though some of the cases have some striking twists and turns, most of the clues are quite evident for those who have seen any network crime dramas. Still, with Olson leading the charge and skillful actors backing her up, the series is perfectly adequate formulaic television.

“High Potential” premieres Sept. 17 on ABC, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.