High Potential Season 1 Episode 10 Review: Chutes and Murders
It is comforting to see Ken Marino appear on a Rob Thomas or Diane Ruggiero Wright show (they’re executive producers of High Potential). It’s like an old friend randomly stopping by for a visit. You know he’s about to say the craziest stuff, but you love him.
That’s what immediately makes High Potential Season 1 Episode 10, “Chutes and Murders” feel special.
It reminds us of some of the team members behind this fun police procedural. Marino is a guest star that feels slightly out of place in this setting at the start. He seems too wacky for this often serious show but eventually finds his rhythm.
He could become a major recurring character on High Potential.
The ABC series often straddles the line between comedy and drama, but “Chutes and Murders” feels mostly in the comedy dimension. It helps that Marino plays this ridiculous former cop and Eliza Coupe plays a super-rich business (possibly a Karen) mom.
You see those two enter a show and know the comedy will be immaculate. Coupe also feels a bit underused with only a few scenes.
We already know Kaitlin Olson is a comedy master, so it could have been more entertaining to see her interact with Marino and Coupe more. However, Daniel Sunjata deserves some credit for his impeccable ability to create very funny reactions to different things.
His face says it all.
It’s also a fun case of the week as we dive into a murder mystery. However, this one feels a little more easy to predict than the norm. Nevertheless, it’s still an enjoyable ride with plenty of fun twists and turns.
Some may prefer High Potential when it’s more serious, but I enjoy it when it’s more lighthearted. So this feels like the right tone, storyline, and angle for the series, which is coming back for a Season 2 by the way.
Additionally, the subplot about Morgan and her children really works in “Chutes and Murders.” We dissect the changing family dynamic.
It’s natural for a child to age and separate from her mother and brother. It’s also natural for children to not fit into the norm. Both storylines work and build upon Morgan’s home life.
As stated often in these reviews, Morgan’s home life gives the show a lot of its characters. Therefore, we fully embrace and encourage more of it.
“Chutes and Murders” also has a very sweet and sentimental ending that immediately makes you go “aww.”
High Potential’s 10th episode may not move the overarching storyline too much, but it’s a nice enclosed episode that’s fun and sentimental. Sentimental for long-time fans of Rob Thomas or Diane Ruggiero Wright and just sentimental in its approach.
Stray Thoughts
- Morgan seems to be learning at least a little about proper police procedurals.
- The show really isn’t doing enough to highlight Oz and Daphne. I barely remember their names.
- That kid deserved more scolding from Morgan. So rude.
- This is the second week in a row where Rob Thomas’s aura takes focus. As a Veronica Mars fan, I love it.
- We need more former Veronica Mars cast members dropping by High Potential.
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 9/8 C on ABC.
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