**High Potential Season 2 Review: A Riveting Follow-Up That Raises the Stakes**
*Starring:* Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Deniz Akdeniz, Taran Killam, Matthew Lamb, Javicia Leslie, and David Giuntoli
*Created by:* Drew Goddard
ABC’s *High Potential*, adapted from the French-Belgian series *HPI*, made an excellent addition to the network’s lineup of procedurals with its first season. It honored the source material while making enough changes to stand out on its own. The series was primarily centered on Morgan Gillory’s (Kaitlin Olson) journey of adapting to her new job as a consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes unit, delivering a strong and engaging introduction.
However, the real test for any series is whether it can maintain momentum beyond the introductory phase. If the rest of *High Potential* Season 2 keeps up the high standard set by the first three episodes provided for review, then this series certainly has what it takes to go the distance.
—
**Season 1 Recap and Cliffhangers**
Season 1 ended with two major cliffhangers. It was revealed that the case-of-the-week would continue, as the season finale’s serial killer—whom Season 2 dubs the “Game Maker” (David Giuntoli)—had found Morgan and left a clue for her. Meanwhile, the resolution to the overarching mystery brought both answers and more questions, revealing that Morgan’s missing ex, Roman Sinquerra, was still alive.
—
**Season 2 Overview**
Season 2 continues its predecessor’s weekly case structure, following procedural standards, but kicks off with a strong and riveting two-part premiere that picks up shortly after Season 1 left off.
In this two-part opener, Morgan and the rest of her team are focused on catching the Game Maker. The entire Major Crimes unit remains shaken after the serial killer’s escape, particularly Morgan and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Morgan is now concerned that the Game Maker knows how to locate her and her children, so she has taken extensive measures to keep them safe, including taking some precautionary time away from work. Meanwhile, Oz is recovering from a traumatic abduction and near-drowning experience at the hands of the Game Maker in the Season 1 finale. Everyone in the team, especially Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), is eager for Morgan’s return.
Distinct from other killers Morgan has investigated and caught, the Game Maker is driven more by the “love of the game” than by the end result of killing. This premise brings back the Game Maker for some truly suspenseful scenes and wild twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the two-part premiere.
Morgan, famously known for outsmarting every killer, finally faces a match in the Game Maker—an antagonist whose level of intelligence rivals her own. The unpredictability of the Game Maker, despite his meticulously planned actions, results in a horrifying, yet captivating, domino effect as the story unfolds.
—
**Strengths and Minor Flaws**
While some loose threads from the Season 2 premiere are wrapped up a bit too quickly, and the continuation of the Roman Sinquerra mystery feels somewhat repetitive compared to Season 1, the cases Morgan investigates in the first three episodes are engaging enough to hold your attention. This balance keeps viewers hooked, even as they hope for more revelations about Roman.
With Morgan and her team in increasing danger, the stakes are higher than ever. The case-of-the-week in the season’s third episode delivers a shocking twist of its own, adding to the season’s momentum.
Season 2 feels heavier than the first but in a way that feels earned. Importantly, the show doesn’t sacrifice its comedy to achieve this tone. There’s a silly subplot involving Ludo (Taran Killam) and Elliot (Matthew Lamb) in the second half of the season premiere, as well as a classic *High Potential* hypothetical cutaway scene featuring Karadec in the third episode that provides some hilarious moments.
Morgan and Karadec’s partnership continues to be one of the show’s highlights. Their perfect blend of banter and genuine care makes their scenes a joy to watch, and each episode ensures this dynamic remains front and center.
—
**Embracing Growth and Character Depth**
The true highlight of *High Potential* Season 2 so far is how it embraces its status as a follow-up installment. No longer burdened with introductions, the show focuses more deeply on Morgan, her family, and her coworkers, exploring both the small moments and the high-stakes drama.
The cast delivers strong performances across the board, particularly Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and David Giuntoli. Fans will also be delighted to spot a guest star in the Season 2 premiere who previously acted alongside Olson in *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*—a fun Easter egg for longtime fans of the sitcom.
—
**Conclusion**
In just three episodes, *High Potential* Season 2 has proven it can not only maintain the momentum from Season 1 but also elevate it to new heights. With fast pacing, shocking plot twists, and genuinely funny moments, this season promises to be an exciting ride. Fans will surely be looking forward to what the rest of the season has in store.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1344862-in-the-picture
