ABC’s New Drama Series With Kaitlin Olson

Police procedurals are nonetheless a dime a dozen on tv, however today, networks champion characters that deliver a singular spin to the style. Sequence like CBS’ “Elsbeth,” NBC’s “The Irrational,” and ABC‘s “Will Trent” are crime dramas specializing in consultants or detectives who can look at crime scenes utilizing views that distinguish them from the typical cop. Created by Drew Goddard and based mostly on the French present “Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI),” ABC’s “Excessive Potential” follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), an expert cleaner and single mom of three, whose distinct vantage level and genius-level IQ lands her a consulting position within the Los Angeles Police Division’s Murder Division. Whereas “Excessive Potential” isn’t precisely revolutionary, Morgan’s eccentricities and the quirky instances the workforce tackles are maybe partaking sufficient to maintain audiences tuned in. 

“Excessive Potential” begins on a seemingly atypical L.A. evening. Morgan leaves house and boards the bus for her job, cleansing the murder unit workplace. Although the bubbly blonde appears primarily centered on the music blasting from her fire-engine purple headphones, an overturned proof field and a whiteboard outlining the division’s present case seize her consideration. Unable to cease herself, she begins analyzing the pictures from the case earlier than boldly crossing out the suspect on the board. As a substitute, she labels the girl because the sufferer. 

When the detectives arrive at work the next day, they don’t take kindly to their work being questioned. After seeing Morgan on the workplace cameras, Selena (Judy Reyes), the unit’s lieutenant, calls her in to clarify her actions. Uptight Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) is instantly aggravated by Morgan’s presence and refusal to comply with protocols. Nonetheless, Morgan’s compulsion and knack for correcting errors impress Selena and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz). Although she’s initially reluctant and never welcomed by Karadec, Morgan begins consulting on varied investigations, mentioning clues that the police had ignored or did not assess had been essential. 

Although it’s not breaking any new floor, “Excessive Potential” is okay. Olson — an Emmy nominee for “Hacks,” and a longtime member of the corporate of “It’s All the time Sunny in Philadelphia” — is greater than succesful as Morgan, a lady who seems content material to stroll to the beat of her personal drum, even when it grates the nerves of her eldest daughter Ava (Amirah J) and Karadec. Along with her obsession with probably the most minor particulars, Morgan’s vogue sense, which incorporates miniskirts and sky-high stiletto boots, presents texture to the character. Moreover, since her wardrobe is wholly impractical for navigating crime scenes, she is chronically underestimated by these she’s making an attempt to assist or incriminate. 

Morgan’s house life can be intriguing. She has a pleasant relationship together with her ex-boyfriend Ludo (Taran Killam), the daddy of her two youngest youngsters. Nonetheless, her strained relationship together with her teen daughter, Ava, and her tight monetary scenario suggests she has different causes for accepting Selena’s supply to seek the advice of within the murder division. 

“Excessive Potential” switched showrunners in the course of the summer season after Rob Thomas left the present, and was changed by Todd Harthan. His problem will likely be making the present stand out in an more and more crowded style, however Episode 3, “Soiled Rotten Scoundrel,” is especially fascinating. Although it first seems {that a} man has overdosed and by accident drowned in a lodge lavatory, the case shortly morphs right into a deeply advanced crime involving stolen identification, greed, scamming and vengeance. Furthermore, Morgan learns that her lax perspective towards guidelines and laws may endanger her new colleagues. 

“Excessive Potential” has some shiny moments, however a lot of what the present has to supply is relatively anticipated. The present is clearly constructing towards a long-drawn-out will-they-won’t-they between Morgan and Karadec. Additionally, although among the instances have some hanging twists and turns, a lot of the clues are fairly evident for individuals who have seen any community crime dramas. Nonetheless, with Olson main the cost and skillful actors backing her up, the sequence is completely satisfactory formulaic tv.

“Excessive Potential” premieres Sept. 17 on ABC, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.