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ABC’s New Drama Series Starring Kaitlin Olson
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ABC’s New Drama Series Starring Kaitlin Olson

Cop shows are still a dime a dozen on television, but these days networks are championing characters who put a unique spin on the genre. Shows like CBS’ “Elsbeth,” NBC’s “The Irrational” and ABC’s “Will Trent” are crime dramas that focus on consultants or detectives who can investigate crime scenes with perspectives that set them apart from your 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 unique perspective and genius IQ land her a consulting role in the Los Angeles Police Department’s homicide unit. While “High Potential” isn’t exactly groundbreaking, Morgan’s eccentricities and the team’s quirky cases may be compelling enough to keep audiences engaged.

“High Potential” opens on a seemingly ordinary night in LA. Morgan leaves her house and hops on the bus to work, cleaning the homicide unit’s office. Although the cheerful blonde seems to be focused on the music blasting from her red firefighter headphones, an overturned evidence box and a whiteboard with the department’s current case catch her attention. Unable to help herself, she begins analyzing the case photos before brazenly crossing the suspect off the board. Instead, she labels the woman as the victim.

When the detectives arrive at work the next day, they are unhappy about 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 irritated by Morgan’s presence and refusal to follow protocol. However, Morgan’s forcefulness and knack for correcting mistakes impress Selena and Detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Although initially reluctant and unwelcome by Karadec, Morgan begins consulting on various investigations, pointing out leads that the police had overlooked or not deemed important.

Though it breaks no new ground, “High Potential” is a fine one. Olson — an Emmy nominee for “Hacks” and a longtime member of the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” cast — is more than capable as Morgan, a woman who seems content to march to the beat of her own drum, even if it grates on the nerves of her eldest daughter Ava (Amirah J) and Karadec. Beyond her obsession with the tiniest of details, Morgan’s fashion sense, which includes miniskirts and sky-high stiletto boots, lends texture to the character. What’s more, she’s chronically underestimated by those she’s trying to help or incriminate, her wardrobe being utterly impractical for navigating crime scenes.

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

“High Potential” changed showrunners over the summer after Rob Thomas left the show and was replaced by Todd Harthan. His challenge will be to make the show stand out in an increasingly crowded genre, but episode 3, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel,” is particularly interesting. While it initially appears that a man has overdosed and accidentally drowned in a hotel bathroom, the case quickly spirals into a deeply complex crime involving stolen identity, greed, fraud and revenge. Plus, Morgan learns that her laxity toward rules and regulations could put her new colleagues at risk.

“High Potential” has some positive moments, but much of what the show has to offer is somewhat expected. The show is clearly building toward a prolonged will-they-won’t-they between Morgan and Karadec. While some cases have some notable twists, most of the clues are pretty obvious to those who have watched a network crime drama. Still, with Olson leading the charge and capable actors supporting her, the series is perfectly adequate formulaic television.

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