High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Croaked

High Potential strikes the right tone of Love, mystery, and parenthood on the latest episode. High Potential Season 1 Episode 5, “Croaked,” could mark the series’ turning point. It’s the first sign that the show has found a comfortable pattern and formula.

A system that works and adds layers to the viewing experience. ABC may have found its next best series with this Kaitlin Olson hit.

Olson may have been the appeal for many to give this show a chance but they are now falling for its charm and complex but captivating mysteries.

Yes, readers, the weekly cases are becoming some of each episode’s highlights.

The cases of the week used to be the series’ biggest issue but “Croaked,” and High Potential Season 1 Episode 4, “Survival Mode” prove that the series knows how to make entertaining and engaging cases.

It’s also gotten a lot stronger at creating believable twists and not making the culprit too out of left field. “Croaked” has been the easiest to make assumptions and predict the outcome. Every new piece of evidence helps us assemble the pieces and quickly figure out the next reveal.

The trafficking of exotic animals? yeah, you see that coming when we meet the guy and his spider. In the past, the murder victim helped with the robbery? Yeah, that’s clear from her parents’ reactions.

Then you can quickly figure out the adoption plot and plan after you meet the mother and son.

You don’t even need the father to lie and confess to the crime. You see it coming when we meet the adopted child.

Some may see predictability as a bad thing. And it can be when done cheaply and lazily. However, that’s not the case with High Potential.

The predictability reflects the writers’ creation of a cohesive and structured story. We can see what’s coming next because the writing supports the evidence and path of the reveal.

Predictability is only a problem when it becomes the default standard but we’ve already seen High Potential experiment with these cases.

The “Croaked” crime and case may have some easy-to-predict aspects but that doesn’t mean the whole series will have them. Plus, the episode has a few surprises, like Karadec’s dating life.

“Croaked” shows that these wild cases with lots of twists can work when every one of the twists has a thread for us to follow. This allows us to play detective and makes the cases more engrossing.

You’re not struggling to follow the case of the week plot, so you can enjoy it.

This is the second case in a row that follows a pattern that makes the story predictable enough for the average viewer to submerge themselves in it. This proves that it’s not a fluke but an improvement with each episode.

“Croaked” also has a predictable subplot. It’s clear that Morgan’s daughter has been taking birth control but not for the reasons Morgan suspects. It’s also clear how Morgan will handle everything.

It’s a fun subplot that brings the show back to its heart, Morgan and her family.

“Croaked” continues High Potential’s growth and ability to grip us while also engaging us in Morgan’s life and the weekly cases.

Stray Thoughts

• Karadec and Morgan’s dynamic has definitely become the show’s brightest spot. Love seeing them play off each other.
• Ludo and Morgan aren’t seeming like exes as much as they are best friends. The former romantic spark doesn’t seem to exist yet.
• I enjoy that we’re slowly getting to know Oz and Daphne more. I didn’t expect Daphne to be a Karadec fangirl.
• I really like that most of the victims haven’t been outstanding citizens. This shows that someone doesn’t have to be a perfect victim to deserve justice.

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!