In High Potential, Kaitlin Olson Gets Smart: The Actress Shines as a Brilliant, Unhinged Crime-Solving Maid in ABC’s Wild New Procedural

Fans of Kaitlin Olson have seen her in a wide variety of roles, from her iconic turn as the hilariously dysfunctional Dee Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to her more recent ventures in family comedies. But in ABC’s new procedural drama High Potential, Olson takes her craft to a new level, playing a character unlike anything we’ve seen from her before: a brilliant, unhinged maid with a penchant for solving crimes and defying every law of logic and order.

If you thought you had seen everything Olson could do, think again — High Potential reveals a side of her talent that’s as sharp as it is chaotic, delivering a crime show that’s as much about wild, unpredictable humor as it is about solving murder mysteries.

A Wild, Hilarious Premise

High Potential opens with a concept that’s both absurd and wildly compelling: Olson’s character, Morgan, is a maid working in the homicide unit of the Los Angeles Police Department. Her duties involve more than just cleaning crime scenes — Morgan is a genius with an IQ that’s off the charts. But instead of putting her smarts to use in a traditional detective role, Morgan is stuck in a janitorial job, far from the action. However, when a case catches her eye, she can’t resist using her unparalleled intellect to solve the puzzle in ways the police never expected.

Her method? Completely out of control, of course.

While the police detectives are tied up with standard investigative procedures, Morgan’s unconventional and unorthodox approach leads her to uncover clues the professionals overlook. It’s this brilliant mix of wild antics and sharp intelligence that makes High Potential so entertaining. Olson’s portrayal of Morgan is equal parts chaotic and charming, a character who doesn’t just think outside the box but shatters it entirely.

Kaitlin Olson’s Unhinged, Brilliant Performance

Olson’s portrayal of Morgan is nothing short of transformative. As we’ve seen in her previous roles, Olson excels in playing characters who are simultaneously hilarious and deeply flawed. But Morgan in High Potential is something new: a woman who, despite her unorthodox methods, uncovers secrets others are too blinded by the system to see.

From the very first episode, it’s clear that Olson’s comedic chops are in full swing. Morgan’s lack of boundaries makes her both frustrating and hilarious to work with, and Olson’s comedic timing ensures that every absurd situation — whether it’s cleaning up a crime scene or cracking a case wide open — is delivered with the perfect balance of humor and intensity.

Her character’s unpredictability is one of the show’s key assets. Morgan’s quirks aren’t just about making the audience laugh; they’re crucial to how she approaches crime-solving. She doesn’t follow any rules or protocols, but her genius mind picks up on patterns and connections that others miss. Olson makes this eccentric genius both likable and frustrating, a rare combination in a TV lead.

Morgan’s brilliance doesn’t stop with her ability to solve crimes. She’s also a master of evading the systems and structures that constantly try to rein her in. Olson’s portrayal of this defiance is magnetic, and viewers will find themselves rooting for Morgan even when she’s causing chaos in the homicide unit. The line between unhinged and genius is fine, but Olson nails it.

A Fresh Take on the Police Procedural

In a landscape filled with typical cop dramas and procedurals, High Potential stands out by defying many of the genre’s conventions. While there’s a murder to be solved each week, Morgan’s role as a janitor-turned-crime-solver adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to each case. It’s a procedural, but with the stakes and tensions often replaced by slapstick humor and unorthodox detective work.

Unlike many crime dramas that focus on gritty realism, High Potential leans into its wild premise, blending mystery and humor in a way that feels fresh and innovative. While other shows emphasize dark and brooding crime-solving, High Potential feels like a refreshing breath of fresh air, mixing humor and mystery in an effortlessly entertaining way.

Supporting Cast and Ensemble Chemistry

While Kaitlin Olson steals the show, High Potential benefits from an equally strong supporting cast. Each member of the ensemble brings something unique to the table, particularly the characters who work in the homicide unit alongside Morgan. There’s Detective Karadec (played by the ever-charismatic Daniel Sunjata), who finds himself at odds with Morgan’s antics but eventually grows to appreciate her brilliance, if not her methods.

Sunjata’s portrayal of Karadec, a straight-laced officer who believes in procedure, makes for a perfect foil to Morgan’s anarchic approach to crime-solving. Their back-and-forth tension provides much of the show’s dramatic weight, but there’s an undeniable respect that eventually forms between the two characters, making their dynamic both funny and emotionally satisfying.

Final Thoughts: ABC’s Wild Card Hit

High Potential is a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. It’s a mix of quirky humor, clever crime-solving, and a star-making performance from Kaitlin Olson that’s sure to win over audiences. While the premise may seem outlandish at first, the show quickly proves that it’s more than just a fun idea — it’s an incredibly entertaining ride that offers something different in a sea of typical procedural dramas.

Kaitlin Olson proves she’s more than just a comedic actress; she’s a multi-dimensional performer with range, and High Potential is just the beginning. If this season is any indication, ABC has a hit on its hands.

Final Grade: A-

High Potential isn’t just another crime drama — it’s a unique, refreshing take on the genre that audiences are sure to love. With Olson leading the charge, it’s a show that promises to only get wilder and smarter as it progresses.