ABC’s “High Potential” returned with an intense episode in season two, episode nine, starting off with a shocking scene: a man taking pictures while lurking with a rifle, only to lose control of his vehicle when he discovers his brake lines have been cut. His truck hurtles off a cliff, setting the stage for a gripping investigation.
The episode follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), who receives a bouquet of high-end flowers—later revealed to be from Rhys—sparking curiosity from her family. However, she is soon called to the Santa Monica mountains, where the deceased, identified as Curtis Behr, an ex-con, is discovered. Morgan joins her team, consisting of Adam (Daniel Sunjata), Oz (Deniz Akdeniz), and Daphne (Javicia Leslie), who have already begun piecing together the mystery around Behr’s death.
Oz finds a substantial amount of cash and evidence of Behr’s surveillance on a target, hinting at a potential double murder—did Behr kill his target before meeting his own demise? As the investigation deepens, Morgan uncovers links tied to golf, revealing that their target is a left-handed golfer. The group eventually uncovers that the target is none other than Douglas Newmeyer (Keith Carradine), a vacuum cleaner inventor facing serious legal troubles due to faulty products linked to several deaths.
As the story unfolds, we learn that the situation surrounding Newmeyer’s vacuums has been obscured by legal maneuvers, leaving the public largely unaware of their dangers. Amid threats on his life, Newmeyer has been shifting from location to location for safety.
Meanwhile, misinformation circulates around Curtis Behr’s identity, as the team learns he was actually an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman, seeking to catch someone who had planned a hiring transaction gone tragically wrong. The FBI’s involvement escalates the stakes as they strive to identify who orchestrated the hit and why.
In a series of clever detective maneuvers by Morgan and her team, they piece together clues that lead them to confront Newmeyer and the tangled web of deceit that surrounds him, all while dealing with the pressure from the FBI to solve the murder of their fallen agent. The revelation that someone within the FBI may have killed Behr complicates an already tense situation, pushing Morgan and her team to dig deeper into those they work with.
On the personal side, Ludo confides in Elliot about his relationship with Morgan, realizing that friendship is more valuable than a romantic connection. This subplot reinforces the theme of genuine relationships amidst chaos and tension within their professional lives.
As the episode reaches its climax, Morgan impressively pulls together the pieces of the puzzle, revealing that FBI Agent Walker was complicit in a cover-up surrounding the vacuum tragedy and the murder of Behr. Her sharp investigation leads to the arrest of both Walker and Newmeyer, showcasing her commitment to justice.
In the closing moments, Adam provides heartfelt support to Morgan, reminding her of her worth and the positive impact she has on the world. This blend of personal growth alongside thrilling detective work leaves viewers with a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the episode is a gripping blend of action, mystery, and character development, promising fans of the series an engaging watch filled with unexpected turns and emotional depth.