High Potential’s Quirky Twist: How the U.S. Version Differentiates Itself from the French Original
ABC’s latest drama High Potential, starring Kaitlin Olson, is already making waves, but what fans may not realize is that the show is an adaptation of the French series High Intellectual Potential (HPI). While High Potential borrows the core premise and some cases from the original, showrunner Todd Harthan has revealed that several key changes were made to better fit the American audience — particularly when it comes to the lead character, Morgan.
Making Morgan More Grounded
In the French series, the lead character, Morgane, is a highly intelligent, eccentric woman whose unconventional behavior often pushes the boundaries of acceptable decorum. Her flippant attitude and wild antics are part of what made her such an iconic character. However, Harthan and his team felt that the American version of Morgan needed to strike a different balance, particularly when dealing with sensitive cases that involve grieving families.
In a recent interview with TV Line, Harthan explained the reasoning behind tweaking the character’s personality. “Morgane in the French version has a sort of flippant quality to her, bordering on being slightly too much for my taste,” he said. While the American Morgan still retains her bold and quirky nature, the showrunners made a conscious choice to make her more grounded and respectful, especially in scenes that touch on emotionally charged cases. “We don’t ever want to skew so broad that we’re not being mindful of the cases we’re tackling and the people that have lost a loved one,” Harthan emphasized.
Olson’s portrayal of Morgan brings out both her quirky, larger-than-life persona and her emotional vulnerability. In one scene, for instance, Morgan is seen walking across desks at the precinct while cleaning, which leads her to knock over files and accidentally uncover a key clue. This odd behavior gives the show its charm, but Olson balances it with deeply emotional moments, particularly those involving Morgan’s children. By grounding Morgan’s quirks in genuine emotion, High Potential creates a character that is eccentric but relatable.
The Morgan-Karadec Dynamic: A Slow Burn Romance?
In many shows, it’s almost inevitable for the male and female leads to eventually fall in love. And with High Potential, viewers can already sense a growing connection between Morgan and her detective partner, Karadec, played by Daniel Sunjata. But don’t expect any whirlwind romance just yet.
Showrunner Todd Harthan is taking a patient approach when it comes to Morgan and Karadec’s potential romance. Known for his work as an executive producer on The Resident and The Company You Keep, Harthan is notorious for playing the “will they or won’t they” game at a slow pace. He explained that the focus in the first few episodes is on building mutual respect and friendship between the two characters, rather than rushing into a romantic plotline.
“I am notorious for playing these things slowly,” Harthan told TV Line. “We’ve got to do it right and earn it. Of course, we’re going to have those moments, those looks, and fan those flames. But to me, it’s got to be a slow burn.” This measured approach means that fans will get to see Morgan and Karadec’s relationship develop naturally over time, with tension building up through subtle glances and shared moments.
This slow-burn strategy allows viewers to fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other, making the eventual romance (if it happens) all the more satisfying. Karadec’s reactions to Morgan’s offbeat personality are already a source of humor and tension in the show, and it’s likely that as the season progresses, we’ll see more of these moments.
A Stellar Cast Adds Depth
The chemistry between Olson and Sunjata is certainly a highlight, but High Potential also boasts a strong supporting cast. Javicia Leslie (Batwoman) plays Daphne, a key member of the team who brings her own unique energy to the show. Deniz Akdeniz (The Flight Attendant) shines as Lev “Oz” Osman, while Amirah J, Matthew Lamb, and Judy Reyes round out the ensemble cast as Morgan’s children Ava and Elliot, and precinct staff member Selena, respectively.
Each of these characters brings their own quirks and challenges to the table, making the show a rich tapestry of personalities. Whether it’s the comedic exchanges between team members or the heartfelt moments involving Morgan’s family, the cast helps bring the show to life in a way that’s both fun and engaging.
A Quirky Take on Crime Drama
While High Potential is inspired by HPI, the American adaptation stands on its own by blending crime-solving with humor and heart. Morgan’s unconventional methods might raise eyebrows, but they also get results. Her unique perspective, combined with the team’s growing dynamics, ensures that each case is not just a mystery to be solved, but an opportunity for character growth.
With new episodes airing every Tuesday on ABC and past episodes available for streaming on Hulu, High Potential is quickly establishing itself as a must-watch for fans of crime dramas with a quirky twist. Whether you’re tuning in for the cases or the slow-burn romance, High Potential promises to keep audiences hooked with its fresh take on the genre.
