High Potential Season 1 Episode 4 Review: Survival Mode

High Potential continues to improve with each outing. The show grows stronger by improving its initial weakness: the cases of the week. High Potential Season 1 Episode 4, “Survival Mode,” has the show’s strongest case yet.

It works because it’s cohesive, emotionally riveting, combines and highlights Morgan’s strengths, and offers a satisfying conclusion.

Many past High Potential cases need to be clearer to really follow and stay involved in solving the mystery. For example, many have one twist too many. Additionally, the culprits have been surprises but not because the writing is so good that the criminals shock us.

It’s that the reveals feel a bit rushed.

You don’t feel much about learning this information because there isn’t enough time devoted to these nefarious characters. “Survival Mode” balances not devoting too much time to the culprit, so that it doesn’t overshadow the victims or the crime-fighting team and gives enough appearances from them to understand and appreciate the conclusion.

“Survival Mode” has the most predictable outcome of the High Potential episodes. However, that’s not a bad thing. It means the story works, because you still enjoy every moment, even knowing what will likely happen next.

The predictability also makes the storyline easy to follow. We aren’t shocked by the culprit because the clues are glaring and believable.

The culprit behind the kidnappings and murder isn’t the only part easy to see coming because this case has a lot of obvious elements, including the grandfather’s involvement, the secretly planned kidnapping, the dead ex-husband, and the reunion with the girls.

Predictability can be comforting in shows like High Potential because you want easily digestible crimes. It’s nice to know what to expect.

However, hopefully, High Potential keeps experimenting and mixing unpredictable cases with predictable ones. Though the “Survival Mode” case is High Potential’s strongest case of the week, it would be interesting to see the show continue experimenting with the format of its weekly cases.

Convince us we need more complex cases and a few simple ones.

Morgan’s ability to endear the audience and characters to her remains High Potential’s not-so-secret weapon. The series may not work without Kaitlin Olson’s on-screen likability.

Morgan remains flawed but charming and that increases each week.

High Potential doesn’t work without Morgan as its center.

Her greatest skill isn’t her knowledge but her ability to connect with the victims and their families. She instantly connects with the mother of the missing daughters.

Her own children act as motivation and attachment to this case. Naturally, Morgan sides with the mother. Her mama bear instincts kick in and guide her.

This connection helps her stay involved enough and devoted to solving this mystery. This makes her like a goofier version of an Olivia Benson-type character. It also makes her less cop-like and more human.

Morgan’s humanity keeps the show refreshing.

This rubs off on all those around her (as “Survival Mode” addresses) with Karadec already becoming a little warmer from knowing her. Their slow-burn romance is already hitting the right notes.

High Potential’s “Survival Mode” shows the show continues to find its voice and become a great weekly viewing

 

What did you think of this episode of High Potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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High Potential airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC. 

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