High Potential Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Pawns

The first season of High Potential is imperfect but entertaining. The series has some kinks it needs to work through, but High Potential Season 2 Episode 1, “Pawns,” shows a lot of, well, potential for an excellent sophomore season.

“Pawns” starts right where High Potential Season 1 Episode 13, “Let’s Play” ends. We’re back in the game. The Game Maker turns everything up to full volume. He sends Morgan and her crew into a tailspin as they try to capture him and save a woman.

It’s a thrilling hour to start the season. You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time, wondering if Morgan, Karadec, and crew can outsmart him. It doesn’t seem like it because Morgan is the only one who realizes his game.

This further establishes her as a highly intellectual figure. This makes the Game Maker her best foe, and she is his best adversary. This cat-and-mouse chase between them could have been a bit more playful if he hadn’t jeopardized her children.

Kaitlin Olson gives a fine performance in “Pawns.” Her anxiety over the situation shines through. She also delivers a captivating speech.

It reminds us that Morgan works as a character because she’s so human and motherly.

Though David Giuntoli doesn’t say many lines in this High Potential episode, his general aura and demeanor present as creepy and dangerous. He does an excellent job at playing this super villain.

Giuntoli is so skilled at playing the Game Maker that you want to see this character appear throughout the entire season. Like many great detective characters, Morgan deserves a formidable rival.

This character could be it.

Unfortunately, the way “Pawns” ends makes it seem like this battle comes to an end next week. We appreciate the cliffhanger and that it leads to the next episode, but we don’t want it to end this soon.

The Game Maker storyline gives High Potential higher stakes.

It turns the series more into a drama and thriller. Nevertheless, it still toes the line of comedy. “Pawns” has quite a few funny moments. Additionally, Karadec and Morgan’s chemistry remains one of the brightest spots on the show.

Their affection for one another starts even stronger in the Season 2 premiere. Even taking some time off from their partnership, they ease back into their chemistry.

He’s the grump, and she’s the clever, sometimes jolly, force. They are reminiscent of classic TV cop show pairings. We’re happy to reunite with this pair.

Unfortunately, Oz and Daphne still feel like afterthoughts. They’re there but not adding much, but hopefully, that’s something the show rectifies in Season 2.

In conclusion, “Pawns” offers a thrilling return to a series that starts well but could become great in Season 2. The Game Maker storylines are the ideal way to add stakes to this fun series.

Stray Thoughts

• As a Nick Wechsler fan, Jason Howard may be one of his best works. He plays a kind of slimy rich boy fairly well.
• Seeing Mekhi Phifer and Shaun Sipos makes this episode a very “point to the screen and say ‘I know him!” episode.
• Knowing that Taran Killam departs High Potential at some point makes me worry Ludo may become a victim of the Game Maker.
• Roman doesn’t look as expected, but that just makes me more curious to get to know him. Also, glad he’s shown in the premiere and not further dragged out.

What did you think of this episode of High Potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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High Potential airs Tuesdays at 8/7 C on ABC.

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