A series isn’t much fun if it doesn’t have a flawed character who somehow resonates with the audience, whether they lean more dark or are a burst of light. Characters who recognize and embrace their flaws are some of the most compelling to watch.

And we couldn’t resist breaking down some of the characters who fit the bill.

Rafe Cameron – Outer Banks

By now, we’ve discussed what went wrong in Outer Banks Season 4 and even mourned the loss of our comfort show. But moving on, the series is full of flawed characters who are somehow endearing.

No one fits the bill better than Kook King Rafe Cameron. He’s objectively a terrible person at times; his long list of crimes includes nearly killing his own sister, for starters. But this is Outer Banks, baby, where Rafe’s flaws somehow work within this series.

A self-professed killer, Rafe is, at times, mentally unstable, driven by traits like revenge and greed. Still, he’s also bound by values like legacy and family, culminating in him doing unspeakable things for oddly noble reasons.

• Landman Season 1 Episode 6 Balances Brutality and Heart, Making It Hard to Look Away
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 18 Wrapped Up A 14-Year Run With A Reminder Of Everything That Makes This Cancelation Hurt
  by Jack Ori
• Fire Country Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Zombie Fires Take Control
  by Sara Trimble

Rafe knows who he is and he rarely apologizes for it. However, he does make the necessary adjustments and proves himself through actions. And that’s why there’s something strangely admirable about the character—how he knows himself so well and stands in who he is, good, bad, and ugly.

Rafe isn’t a perfect character or even a good person. Still, he’s authentic, which makes him click into place and resonate well amid the class lines that often revolve around superficiality and identity crises in Outer Banks.

Watch Outer Banks Online

Morgan Gillory – High Potential

Who hasn’t fallen in love with Morgan Gillory and High Potential?

She’s witty, intelligent, messy, and prone to making mistakes in many aspects of her life, but she’s genuinely good-hearted. Her style, openness, and honesty make her stand out. She wears her working-class background on her brazenly bright, gaudy faux fur sleeve.

She is gifted intellectually but realistically stalled in life, making her a less glamorous and more realistic depiction of neurodivergence and genuinely relatable as a character.

She’s imperfect and will be the first to tell you that upfront. She readily accepts that she’s flawed but still strives to be a better mother, friend, and person.

Morgan always holds her own and is true to herself, even though she oversteps boundaries, is pushy, and lacks a filter. That’s what makes her so likable.

Watch High Potential Online

Oliver Wolf – Brilliant Minds

Oliver is absolutely brilliant, as the Brilliant Minds‘ title implies, but he’s such a deliciously complex character, not without many flaws and imperfections. He’s a socially awkward, introverted gay luddite with face blindness! And damn if we don’t love him for it.

Oliver is a fantastic doctor who focuses as much on connecting with his patients as he is on fixing their health issues. His unique approach to practicing medicine is often rooted deeply in a traumatic past of dealing with an emotionally distant mother and a father who battled and died from mental illness.

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

Oliver’s flaws and experiences allow him to lead with genuine compassion and sympathy. He not only wholly embraces what makes him different and flawed and his own shortcomings, but he subsequently teaches and inspires other characters to do the same.

Oliver is a quietly inspiring character who continues to battle issues but learns how to step outside of them, and he’s a poster child for how to live one’s life, distancing oneself from shame, self-doubt, and second-guessing.

And we get to see his ongoing journey of unlearning these habits along the way.

Watch Brilliant Minds Online

Beth Dutton – Yellowstone

Beth Dutton has a sharp tongue, quick wit, and the ability to destroy everything in her path, which is one of many reasons she’s one of Yellowstone‘s greatest characters.

She’s a deeply flawed woman hardened by many hurts and betrayals, turning her grief, pain, and previous trauma into a thick armor that makes her nearly indestructible.

She’s fearless, ruthless, intelligent, cunning, unafraid, and unapologetic about doing whatever it takes to get what she desires or handle something. Still, she’s fiercely loyal to most of her family and deceptively soft and vulnerable, particularly when she gets to bury herself in Rip’s arms.

Beth is a host of contradictions, a viper unafraid to strike first, hard, and fast if need be. She is most assuredly an acquired taste to many, but that makes her one of the most genuinely refreshing characters on the air and as real as it gets, baby.

Watch Yellowstone Online

BoJack Horseman – Bojack Horseman

There’s a reason why this character tends to resonate with many viewers when they tune in.

Bojack Horseman is painfully himself throughout the series. He’s selfish, cynical, and totally self-destructive at almost all times. He’s one of the most toxic characters you’ll see, especially to those around him.

• 15 Christmas Movie Villains That Might Just Be Misunderstood
  by Lisa Babick
• The Unhinged Christmas Wish List: Gifts Only TV Characters Would Ask For
  by Thomas Godwin
• 27 Christmas Movies to Watch When You Need a Break from Holiday Cheer
  by Lisa Babick

But in knowing that, and how openly he addresses his mental illnesses, addiction issues, and all the ways in which he fails in life, that raw honesty is endearing and refreshing, and in some ways, maybe even deeply inspiring.

He tries to improve, but not so earnestly and consistently that it feels inauthentic and forced. There are no delusions about him.

Watch Bojack Horseman Online

Samantha Jones – SATC

Samantha Jones is a feminist icon of a television character for a reason.

She is sexually liberated in a way that we hadn’t seen, unapologetic about her sexual appetite and desires, brash, bold, and progressive in a way that challenges those around her.

Samantha rarely has a filter. She is blunt to a fault, incredibly vain, and materialistic.

But she is fiercely loyal, protective, and open-minded, and through her relationships, she learns how to be vulnerable, intimate, and committed.

Watch Sex and the City Online

Robert Spearing – Industry

Oh, Robert, the sweet and, at times, pathetic soul that he is, it’s hard not to love every bit of him.

Robert is one of Industry‘s most flawed characters, which speaks volumes for a series that is essentially all about flaws. He’s often out of his depth, someone who tends to lack confidence, fumbles through the basics of his job and is gullible and easily manipulated.

The thing about Robert is that in the world Industry cultivates, he’s mostly a genuinely good person, but because he lacks the ambition, ruthlessness, and arrogance of the other characters, he tends to fall short and stand out.

• Will Trent Is About To Shake Things Up With Two New Characters For Season 3
  by Laura Nowak
• Comparing the Sex, Scandal, and Romance of Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions to the Original Film
  by Laura Nowak
• Here’s How Murder in a Small Town Could Improve With a Second Season
  by Laura Nowak

But he offers a nice, albeit sad, at times, counterbalance to the other characters, and despite his hopeless love for a woman who’ll never properly love him back or his aspirations to climb up the social class ranks to no avail, you genuinely root for him.

And he holds fast in trying to navigate a world where he’s a guppy in shark-infested waters without sacrificing too much of what makes him. It’s quietly defiant.

Watch Industry Online

Ted Lasso – Ted Lasso

Truthfully, Ted Lasso is so aggressively positive, nice, and kind that it feels surreal and should be one of the most offputting things ever.

It’s a clear facade to some degree, masking deep pain and Ted’s depression, but how he pours himself into being a good person despite how awful he often feels aside is part of what makes the character so great.

Ted Lasso proves that you don’t have to be an asshole just because you’re hurting, and he inspires and often pulls out the best in those around him despite his shortcomings and how he behaves because of them.

Watch Ted Lasso Online

Gregory House – House M.D.

House is an arrogant doctor who completely disregards the feelings of those around him.

And yes, this disregard extends to a mostly abhorrent bedside manner that typically involves him offending everyone in the room.

He’s outspoken, snarky, blunt, and rude, and most of the time, he seems to get off on making people miserable. He also has a pretty bad painkiller addiction that only brings out the worst of his traits when he gets agitated.

But you can never accuse House of not keeping 100 at all times, and there’s something commendable about his willingness to embrace his worst traits without a second thought.

Watch House Online

Rose Nylund – The Golden Girls

How does the saying go? Oh, right, Rose Nylund is as dumb as a bag of rocks.

Her naivete and intellectual challenges make her a flawed character, but her innocence and moments of purity and clarity make up for it.

What’s great about Rose is that she’s conscious of how dumb she sounds often but is also not ashamed of what she doesn’t know.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

She’s always open to learning more and growing and wholly accepts and embraces her shortcomings, even putting up with the ribbing and jokes in the interim.

Most people are too self-conscious to admit when they’re out of their depth, so there’s a bravery to Rose’s authenticity.

Watch The Golden Girls Online

Emily Cooper – Emily in Paris

Emily is easily one of the most annoying characters on the air, and yet, like a bad rash, Emily in Paris persists.

But that’s also what begrudgingly makes us appreciate the character so much. She’s often a walking, talking stereotype of American ignorance, brashness, and entitlement wrapped up in a bubbly package. But she knows who and what she is and how she affects people, and she carries on anyway.

If she can win a person over, she’ll find a way to do so, and her plucky persona and inability to stay down and out even when she should sit down, zip it, take things in, and assess are what make the series so interesting.

She’s bold and smiles in the face of Parisian snobbery, never even considering being anything other than herself.

Watch Emily in Paris Online

Michael Scott – The Office

On The Office, Michael is selfish, self-absorbed, and lacks social and self-awareness.

He’s often narcissistic, and no one sticks his foot in his mouth better. He spends much of the series struggling with these traits and trying to get outside them.

But he cares enough about his colleagues and makes some effort to right things, so his flaws, political incorrectness, and insensitivity work out.

Watch The Office Online

Maggie Bell – FBI

Maggie always takes risks and takes a walk on the dark side of things on FBI.

But she’s so incredibly stubborn that it often gets frustrating.

She always sticks her ground, is opinionated, rarely holds back, and is reckless, making her a genuinely stressful person to watch on cases.

But so many of Maggie’s most frustrating traits make her a great agent, loyal partner, and solid friend, and leaning into these traits rather than straying away from them works for the character.

Watch FBI Online

Parker – Leverage/Leverage Redemption

There are very few characters like Parker, especially women, making her Leverage‘s breath of fresh air.

Parker has nothing that resembles a filter. She is brutally honest and always speaks her mind while simultaneously displaying a whimsical and childlike innocence.

• Tracker Season 2 Midseason Report Card: Lots of Thrills & Room to Grow
  by Whitney Evans
• The Irrational Season 2 Midseason Report Card: This Show Deserves More Attention Despite Some Hiccups
  by Jack Ori
• Accused Season 2 Report Card: Flashes of Brilliance in a Sea of Mediocrity
  by Jasmine Blu

She’s whipsmart in an untraditional way, fierce, loyal, and badass. In two different series, she learned how to come to grips with who she is as a person and truly thrive within that.

Parker’s journey towards embracing who and what she is and making everyone around her and the world a better place is one of Leverage’s most lasting impacts.

Watch Leverage Online

Quigley Smitty – The Rookie

Smitty is such a staple on The Rookie that it would be difficult to envision the series without him.

He’s an opportunistic and supremely lazy officer who doesn’t do much unless it’s self-serving and seemingly is riding out the gig until he can retire. On paper, he should be a truly loathsome character as he rarely lifts a finger.

But when he does, he’s shockingly badass and possesses a self-awareness that makes you appreciate rather than resent him. With Smitty, you almost always know who and what you’ll get; something is comforting about that.

He doesn’t mince any words about what he will and won’t do, and he doesn’t feel he has anything to prove, and you have to respect that!

Watch The Rookie Online

Will Trent – Will Trent

Will is constantly evolving as a character.

He battles various issues, from his dyslexia and OCD to his lack of social awareness and inability to get along with others easily.

He seems stuck in his ways, but with time and effort, he comes to grips with who he is and accepts it while making meaningful improvements along the way that enhance his life and those around him.

Of all the characters in Will Trent, he’s one of the most real, grounded, and unapologetic, and also one of the most inspiring.

Watch Will Trent Online

Kitty Song Covey – XO, Kitty

Kitty is such an endearing character, which is one of many reasons Netflix created XO, Kitty for her after the success of the To All the Boys movie franchise.

But Kitty is certainly a character with her fair share of issues, many of which are the catalyst behind her landing in South Korea in the first place.

Kitty is incredibly impulsive, in case moving halfway across the world didn’t already reach that natural conclusion. She is also naive about love and what her true love story should be like possessing some childlike, fairytale idealism far from reality.

• Grosse Pointe Garden Society: Everything We Know About NBC’s Upcoming Thrilling New Drama
  by Lisa Babick
• Reacher Season 3: Teaser, Premiere Date & Everything Else We Know
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Yellowjackets Season 3: Teaser, First-Look Photos, Cast and Everything Else We Know
  by TV Fanatic Staff

Like many young people coming into their own, she’s often selfish and absorbed, at times lacking insight and awareness about those around her.

But even with all of these flaws, she’s an endearing enough character because she’s genuine about working her way through them and becoming a better person, as well as genuinely figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Louis Litt – Suits

By now, we all know that Suits has a treasure trove of fascinating and flawed characters who stayed true to themselves and stood in all they were.

But one of the most unexpectedly compelling from the bunch was Louis Litt. He was quick to anger, jealous, often whiny, lacked self-confidence, and desperate.

Louis was also devoted and loyal to those who mattered, smart, and adaptable. He wore his flaws on his sleeve, and despite the occasional moment of being treated like more antagonist and nuisance than ally at various points in the series, his multifaceted portrayal makes him such a great character.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Somehow, falling somewhere between being an outcast and a mascot.

There are some of our favorite television characters who embrace their flaws, and now, we want to hear about some of yours.

Who would you place on this list? Sound off below!

The post Unapologetically Real: TV Characters Who Embrace Their Flaws appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Then again, the show was created by Drew Goddard, who has had his hands in several very successful films and shows. His involvement might explain why every episode is even better than the last.

Between the quality plotting and talented cast, High Potential already feels unbelievably well-developed. However, there are still moments that make us go, “Oh, I didn’t love that.”

Not even a show as innovative as High Potential is immune to a questionable decision or two when it comes to creative choices. Thankfully, there is far more that’s good about this show than bad.

Best Episode — “One of Us” — High Potential Season 1 Episode 7

After the statement above, it should be no surprise that the best episode would be the latest. Kaitlin Olson was a force of nature in this episode.

At this point, audiences are fully aware of and always ready for more of “Mama Bear” Morgan. Until this point in the season, there had been a general divide between Morgan’s work and home life.

“One of Us” saw that divide come crumbling down when Ava and Morgan were taken hostage with the rest of the precinct. Seeing a new side of Morgan made this episode stand out above the rest.

Since the start of High Potential, if there is one word that could easily describe Miss Gillory (Kaitlin Olson), it would be “confident.” However, “One of Us” gave viewers a Morgan riddled with fear over her child’s safety.

Imagine if all three of Morgan’s children had been in the precinct. I’m pretty sure her mind would have overloaded, and she would have become Liam Neeson in Taken.

In summary, High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 showed Morgan’s growth as a resourceful and calm person under pressure, as well as her view of the precinct as family.

Worst Episode — “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel” — High Potential Season 1 Episode 3

With a show like High Potential, the term “worst” is more subjective. As mentioned above, the series consistently delivers quality writing and acting.

So, “worst” has nothing to do with production value or even questionable story choices. What makes “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel” the worst is that Morgan was more or less still in limbo with the precinct.

At this point in the season, she had established her value to the police but wasn’t exactly a “team member” yet. Morgan had yet to get a handle on protocol, which led to a pretty dangerous situation.

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

Because Morgan tried to get the jump on a bartender suspect (Ck Bolado), Karadec had to chase the guy down before leading to a kitchen standoff. Morgan’s carelessness put Karadec in the path of a chef’s knife.

It’s wild that there are only three episodes between the best and the worst, but that’s one of the many incredible things about High Potential.

The character development alone is a masterclass in keeping a police procedural feeling fresh and new. Although, as great as the whole team is, it’s the Morgan and Karadec show at the end of the day.

Best Karadec & Morgan Moment – “Croaked” – High Potential Season 1 Episode 5

One unexpected treat in High Potential has been watching Morgan and Karadec’s relationship develop. They went from hating each other to practically being family.

In the beginning, many viewers, yours truly included, were worried that Morgan and Karadec would become romantically involved. Thankfully, by “Croaked,” it’s clear that’s not their destination.

I have been saying for a good while now that Morgan and Karadec’s relationship reminds me of adult siblings with how they can playfully poke at each other.

High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 gave viewers the downright most hysterical Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) and Morgan moment of the series so far. Only Morgan could crash Karadec’s date and be charming the entire time.

As cute as it was that Morgan rolled up on Karadec’s date with all three of her kids without him getting upset, the funniest part is how it started.

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

You may not remember, but Morgan jokingly saddled up to Karadec’s table, pretending to be his wife with their gaggle of kids in tow. It was a moment of pure humor with good family fun sprinkled all over.

Worst Karadec & Morgan Moment – “Dancers in the Dark” – High Potential Season 1 Episode 2

Hopefully, this will be the last time we have to discuss a rocky Morgan and Karadec moment. Since “Dancers in the Dark,” those instances have become few and far between.

However, this episode was the worst moment for the now very close partners. This was worse than the bartender incident because that was a misstep, whereas this was a full-on explosion of tempers.

Some viewers may recall that Morgan and Karadec reached a boiling point during a screaming match while working the case of the tap-dancing mechanics.

Karadec was yelling, and Morgan quit on the spot for the second time. Of course, that didn’t faze Captain Selena (Judy Reyes). When Karadec told Selena Morgan had quit, the captain didn’t miss a beat when she replied, “No, she didn’t.”

The captain may not be in every episode, but she doesn’t miss a thing. She’s not the only lovable character who doesn’t get as much screen time as Morgan and Karadec, either.

Honorable Mention – Ludo

We have to give it up to High Potential for the character of Ludo. He’s certainly not in every episode, but his presence is always felt.

For one thing, viewers are getting a refreshingly new depiction of healthy co-parenting. Ludo (Taran Killam) and Morgan have an open dialogue that helps them maintain a happy and stable lifestyle for the kids.

It has been a growing trend in television to abandon the old cliche that exes can’t get along and co-parenting is impossible because of past history and blah, blah, blah.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

In reality, most parents who are no longer together can maintain a respectful relationship. Hell, a lot of parents even stay friends after. It took a while, but TV is finally catching up to life.

There’s a great example of this in Matlock with the characters Olympia and Julian. Although, those two are currently on the path to getting back together.

The same cannot be said of Ludo and Morgan. Sadly, being a great dad doesn’t translate into being a great partner. And now, with Tom, the handsome janitor, Ludo’s chances are shot to hell.

Still, with a show like High Potential, audiences are well advised to expect the unexpected. If you read the High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 Spoilers, you know we anticipated the worst.

It was the first time one of Morgan’s children would be in danger, and there was no telling how Morgan or Ludo would react afterward.

We could still see some backlash when the series returns after the fall break, but at least things ended on a very happy note.

No one was killed, and Morgan got her own desk. Who’s to say which event was more monumental? Either way, ABC‘s High Potential continues to live up to its name.

What has been your favorite moment from High Potential Season 1 so far?

Do you like the handsome janitor, Tom, for Morgan, or would you rather see her back with Ludo?

Please drop a comment below to let me know! And join me again when I review the next episode of High Potential!

And keep a look out for the High Potential Spoilers posted before each new episode!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Midseason Report Card: The Series Lives Up To Its Name Despite A Few Hiccups appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The writers behind this series are brilliant sadists for starting the episode on such a sweet note. The kids were left out in “Hangover” but were brought back in a big way.

The central theme of High Potential is family. It’s been the driving force behind Morgan and almost every case the cops have handled since Miss Smarty Pants started.

It definitely tracks that the midseason finale would put what matters most to Morgan on the line. And with a captor on her way to motherhood herself, no less.

High Potential Likes To Dump Information At The Speed Of Morgan

Truth be told, the case in High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 was a mixed bag. On the one hand, most people know that the justice system isn’t foolproof.

At the same time, there has to be a better way than taking a precinct hostage. Also, what the heck was Brooke thinking when she teamed up with Jeremy?

As far as keeping their cool, Jeremy was about as chill as the sidewalks in Southern Louisiana in the dead of Summer. That man cracked almost instantly.

There were so many moving parts to this case that it would be understandable if anyone got lost amidst all the information dumping. High Potential likes to move as fast as Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) can think.

Basically, a military man known for going the extra mile to help former recruits was murdered by one of them. The wrong man was convicted, and his friends were trying to save him.

Again, this is a tough case to pick a side on. Remember when Morgan and Karadec worked the tapping dancing mechanics case in High Potential Season 1 Episode 2? Those were the good old days.

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

However, it’s fair to say that no one struggled more in this episode than Morgan.

Miss Morgan Sizzled With “Mama Bear” Energy

Morgan endured nonstop stress during this episode, with her daughter trapped in the precinct. However, we all knew Morgan was going to save the day. Ava was never really in danger.

However, do you know who might still be in danger? Brooke. If you’re like this TV Fanatic, you probably thought Morgan was about to snatch Brooke out of that ambulance at the end.

Morgan was sizzling with “Mama Bear” energy when she told Brooke that she had put Morgan’s daughter in danger and that Brooke should be glad Morgan won’t be on the jury that will try her.

Maybe I’ve been watching too much Matlock, but my first thought was, “Morgan would never get picked by a jury consultant.”

Still, Morgan got her point across in a big way. The best part is that she saved the day without taking a bullet.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for her potential new suitor, JD Pardo’s (Mayans M.C.) Tom, the hot new janitor. He also was not on my “Bullet-Catcher” bingo card.

Morgan And Tom Are The Love Story Of Cheese Dust And Gunshot Wounds

If you read the High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 Spoilers, you know I had my money on Oz or Daphne doing the “Hero Sacrifice.” I even speculated that it could be Melon and was almost right.

However, we never would have heard the end of it if Melon had saved the day. Instead, he got Morgan’s possible new boo shot in the leg. And did I hear it right that he might have nicked an artery?

We’ll call this one a “wash” since Melon’s (Garret Dillahunt) intentions were noble, but the result was disastrous. I know Tom’s scream after he got shot was for dramatic effect, but it was still bone-chilling.

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

It may be a minute before Morgan and Tom get that first date. However, with how the sparks flew between these two, I’m sure they won’t have trouble picking up where they left off.

Morgan seems skilled in remaining cool, calm, and collected. The same cannot be said for her tall drink of water partner.

Without The “Will They, Won’t They” For Morgan And Karadec, High Potential Can Focus On The Real Story Elements Rather Than Cliches

You cannot tell me you didn’t notice how manic Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) was in High Potential Season 1 Episode 7. Even that statue-of-a-man can give in to his emotions from time to time.

Sure, he tried to keep his cool when chatting with Ava and Morgan about their “Yes Day,” but you know that man was excited to see them.

But once shots were fired, Karadec went into full protector mode. It was reminiscent of Morgan’s frantic nature in High Potential Season 1 Episode 4.

Many of you have noticed how well Morgan and Karadec complement each other, and I have to agree. Karadec’s analytical approach complements Morgan’s open-minded and creative perspective.

More than anything, it’s clear these two respect and admire each other. The best part? There’s none of that cliched romance between two partners of the opposite sex.

It’s so refreshing to see a change in the dynamic between a male and female character. Without the “will they, won’t they,” High Potential can focus on the more exciting aspects of the story.

Like the case of Morgan’s missing ex, Roman. What is going on with that? The last time we saw Lieutenant Melon, he was helping Captain Selena look for a lead on Roman’s case in High Potential Season 1 Episode 3.

Since then, it’s been radio silence. There hasn’t been a single mention of Roman. A midseason finale would have been a perfect time to drop a cliffhanger about the case.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

Oh, well. High Potential may work it back in when the series returns in January. I know it’s a bit of a wait, but we have the already-aired episodes to enjoy again.

So, fire up that Hulu to relive the fantastic journey Morgan and Karadec have taken viewers on for seven amazing episodes so far.

Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long into January since the next episode will air just after the start of the month. In a way, you could think of High Potential’s return as a late Christmas gift.

As long as we keep telling ourselves that, time will fly by, right? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. We’ll just have to wait until ABC brings back more exciting episodes of High Potential.

What are your thoughts on Morgan and the new janitor?

How would you describe Morgan and Karadec’s relationship?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I bring you another High Potential Review!

And keep a look out for High Potential Spoilers posted before every new episode!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 Review: One of Us appeared first on TV Fanatic.

It looks like the writers want the break to start off with a bang, literally. This time, the call is coming from inside the precinct.

Morgan just wanted to bring her kid to check out her work, and then the whole place gets taken hostage. Isn’t that just like a parent’s life? Make your plans in pencil.

From the promo for High Potential Season 1 Episode 7, the danger is closer to home than anyone expected this soon in the series.

The question is, will everyone make it out unscathed? This is a technical finale, after all. We’re likely to see a “Heroic Sacrifice” or “Bullet-Catcher,” as they are sometimes called.

High Potential Has The Perfect Setup For A “Heroic Sacrifice”

It wouldn’t be a procedural if someone didn’t try to sacrifice themselves in some way to protect everyone. Isn’t that one of the reasons we watch shows like High Potential?

We love a breezy drama with an optimistic tone and quirky storylines. That’s known as a “Blue Sky Show,” and there’s nothing like the calm feeling of looking up at a clear, blue sky.

Sadly, there will be no breeze and no calm in High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 since last time I checked, being blown up is no one’s idea of relaxation — unless there is a new trend I’m unaware of.

You’re likely thinking this is Karadec’s (Daniel Sunjata) moment to shine, but you would be wrong. It’s not even Morgan’s, despite the end of the promo. We’ll get to that.

No, this is a moment for some supporting character spotlights in the form of either Oz, Daphne, or the captain. There’s still plenty of potential in those characters to throw some shine on.

Then again, High Potential is no stranger to curveballs. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing if Lieutenant Melon turned out to be the “Bullet-Catcher.” Weirder things have happened.

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

Lieutenant Melon’s Return Hopefully Comes With News Of Roman’s Whereabouts

You read that right; Lieutenant Melon is back. The cynical but easy-on-the-eyes lieutenant makes a return to the series after being gone since High Potential Season 1 Episode 3. Remember the super-hot guy dead in the hotel bathtub? That one.

Now, what Garret Dillahunt’s Lieutenant Melon is doing back is anyone’s guess. Last I checked, the actor was busy with his devilry on Hysteria! Maybe he’s been off looking for Roman.

Melon was last seen helping Captain Selena follow a lead on Morgan’s missing ex, Roman. The news was bittersweet because Selena confirmed that Roman did not abandon Morgan and Ava, but it does mean he was likely taken.

At this point, it’s fair to say that whatever that case involves, it will likely set up the plot for High Potential Season 2. With as many viewers as this series has, it’s a wonder ABC hasn’t renewed it yet.

The show is way too good not to give the green light for multiple seasons. Maybe that’s why it’s taking so long. Sounds like another case to solve.

Will Morgan Go Into “Mama Bear” Mode With Her Daughter In Danger?

Obviously, I’m talking about whoever the real killer is so our favorite precinct doesn’t get blown to smithereens. What did you think I meant?

The official synopses for High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 reads: “Morgan agrees to show Ava around the LAPD, but things quickly take a dangerous turn when the precinct is held hostage by the friends of a recently convicted man.

“Can Morgan and the detectives outsmart their captors and lead everyone to safety?”

Can you believe the audacity of ABC to ask if Morgan and the detectives can outsmart the captors and lead everyone to safety? Of course they will — especially Morgan. Her daughter is there.

Those captors are going to need all the help they can get. You don’t poke the “Mama Bear.” Anyone who watched High Potential Season 1 Episode 4 knows Morgan doesn’t play when it comes to children.

• Jacob Lofland on Cooper’s Journey in Landman: “It’s Not Going to Be Easy”
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Brilliant Minds Sneak Peek: Dr. Wolf Tells Dr. Pierce That He’s Dating Josh
  by Laura Nowak
• Hallmark Hits the Field: Tyler Hynes and Hunter King Tease the Chiefs’ Christmas Romance
  by Carissa Pavlica

Sure, Morgan is smart enough to knock out whatever case the captors need the real killer for, but will she be able to control her temper before that happens?

It’s been a minute but not all of us have forgotten how Morgan had no problem swinging at a cop in High Potential Season 1 Episode 1.

However, we haven’t seen her children in danger yet, which could reveal a new side of Morgan. What about after the hostage situation? Will Morgan think her job is too dangerous for her family’s sake?

High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 Has Quite The Killer Conundrum To Cope With

The last thing heard at the end of the promo is one of the captors asking, “Who’s your best detective?” before Morgan raises her hand.

Now, we have to remember that promos are edited to entice viewers and don’t have to depict events in chronological order. Matlock, in particular, is a big user of that strategy.

Morgan is very much not a detective in the payroll or official title sense. She can detect the hell out of a case, but she’s not a cop.

So, if she did raise her hand in response to the captor’s question, what does she have planned? With how fast her mind works, there could be a thousand reasons she raised her hand.

With all that said, does anyone feel for the captors? Don’t get me wrong — what they are doing is so wrong on so many levels. But so is going to jail for a crime you didn’t commit — especially murder.

The main thing to take away is that the killer is still out there. In that regard, time is of the essence. There just has to be a better way than taking a whole precinct hostage.

As dire as the situation in High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 will be, what happens after that will be the thing to pay attention to. We have to keep a close eye on our girl, Morgan.

• Fanatic Feed: Industry Renewed For Season 4, Black Mirror Season 7 Cast Revealed, and More
  by Tyler Johnson
• Fanatic Feed: Jared Padalecki Renews Development Deal With CBS, Bosch: Legacy to End & More
  by Tyler Johnson
• Fanatic Feed: Teacup’s Perfect Teaser, Mormon Wives (No, really), The Gentlemen Renewed & More
  by Carissa Pavlica

Did I mention this is a Fall Finale? Yeah, it’s just about guaranteed that there will be some kind of cliffhanger. Personally, I love a fall cliffhanger.

The anticipation is great because you don’t have to wait as long as you do with a season finale cliffhanger. Still, the dynamic duo, Morgan and Karadec, will be missed during the break.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: High Potential is just as much heart as it is brain, if not more. ABC has a keeper with this one.

Check out the promo for High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 below!

Do you think the hostage situation will make Morgan reevaluate her job?

Do you think Roman’s case will be used for the second season?

Please comment below to let me know, and join me again when I bring you more High-Potential Spoilers!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Episode 7 Spoilers: The Call Is Coming From Inside The Precinct appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Whether they’re cracking mysteries, outwitting enemies, or inventing a whole new kind of brilliance, each of them shows us that intelligence comes in all flavors.

We’ve got sharp-witted detectives, socially awkward scientists, and even ghosts and fantasy warriors.

Each character brings a unique perspective to the table, reminding us that genius can be found in the most unexpected places.

So grab your magnifying glass, lab coat, or chessboard, and get ready to meet TV’s most captivating minds!

Morgan Gillory — High Potential

Morgan Gillory isn’t just a genius; she’s a walking encyclopedia, quick to remind you she’s usually the smartest person in the room.

On High Potential, Morgan’s mind is a mix of brilliant insights and relentless confidence, even if her coworkers find her a bit…much.

As a single mom with an uncanny knack for solving cases no one else can crack, she’s got brains, resilience, and a zero-filter approach to teamwork.

Annoying? Maybe. Brilliant? Absolutely. You know you’d want her on your side in a crisis!

Watch High Potential Online

Hetty Lange — NCIS: Los Angeles

Hetty Lange is the quiet powerhouse of NCIS: Los Angeles, a master manipulator with a near-encyclopedic knowledge of spycraft and an unwavering commitment to her team.

Beneath her small stature lies a brilliant mind that has outwitted enemies across decades.

Hetty doesn’t just run the show — she owns it, often with a wry smile and a twist no one saw coming. Her genius isn’t loud or flashy, but trust me, it’s deadly effective.

When Hetty’s on the case, you know she’s already five steps ahead.

Watch NCIS: Los Angeles Online

Dr. Spencer Reid — Criminal Minds

Dr. Spencer Reid of Criminal Minds is the ultimate brainiac, blending genius IQ with a memory that’s basically photographic.

With his awkward charm and encyclopedic mind, Reid brings an analytical edge to every case, unraveling even the most complex criminal psyches.

He might struggle with social cues, but he’s unstoppable when it comes to patterns, stats, and obscure facts.

Reid’s brilliance is pure Criminal Minds magic — making him one of the show’s most unforgettable characters and, let’s be real, the smartest guy in the room.

Watch Criminal Minds Online

Sherlock Holmes — Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock is a genius like no other, with razor-sharp deduction skills that leave everyone else in the dust.

Played by Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock’s brilliance lies in his meticulous attention to detail and his uncanny ability to see connections no one else can.

Social graces? Not his strong suit, but who needs them when you can solve cases that stump the entire Scotland Yard?

From his quirks to his intellectual arrogance, Sherlock is the gold standard of detective genius on TV.

Watch Sherlock Online

Dr. Alec Mercer — The Irrational

Dr. Alec Mercer from The Irrational has a mind built for the impossible.

As a behavioral scientist with a knack for reading people, he sees patterns and motivations others can’t even begin to grasp.

Mercer’s brilliance isn’t about formulas or hard science; it’s in understanding the psychology behind every decision.

His methods may seem unorthodox, but his insights are sharp, and his empathy makes him one of the most fascinating problem-solvers on TV today.

Alec Mercer proves that genius doesn’t always come in a lab coat.

Watch The Irrational Online

Walter White — Breaking Bad

Walter White of Breaking Bad took “mad scientist” to a whole new level.

This high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin used his genius to build an empire, with every move calculated down to the last molecule.

Walter’s brilliance lies in his precision and sheer nerve, turning everyday chemistry into a deadly game.

He may start as an underdog, but by the end, he’s the most dangerous mind in the room.

Walter White proves that intelligence — when pushed to its limits — can be terrifyingly powerful.

Watch Breaking Bad Online

Moiraine Damodred — The Wheel of Time

Moiraine Damodred from The Wheel of Time is the ultimate blend of wisdom, strategy, and power.

As a member of the Aes Sedai, her brilliance shines through in her deep understanding of the complex political landscape and her ability to navigate it with finesse.

Moiraine isn’t just a magic wielder; she’s a master strategist, always thinking several steps ahead.

With her unwavering determination to fulfill her mission and protect those she cares about, she proves that intelligence and intuition are powerful weapons in a world filled with danger and intrigue.

Watch The Wheel of Time Online

Dr. Gregory House — House

Dr. Gregory House from House redefines genius with his unapologetically blunt attitude and uncanny medical instincts.

House might be the last person you’d want as a friend, but he’s the first person you’d want as your doctor when things go south.

Armed with a razor-sharp intellect and zero tolerance for BS, he solves medical mysteries no one else can touch.

House’s brilliance isn’t in his bedside manner; it’s in his relentless pursuit of the truth, proving that genius sometimes comes with a heavy dose of arrogance.

Watch House Online

Beth Harmon — The Queen’s Gambit

Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit is a chess prodigy whose genius goes beyond the board.

With a mind that sees strategies and moves like a living chess game, Beth’s brilliance is unstoppable, even as she battles her own demons.

She’s fierce, flawed, and downright mesmerizing to watch as she takes on the world’s best players.

Beth’s genius lies in her razor-sharp focus and her ability to think ten steps ahead — a combination that makes her both a legend and an underdog.

She’s proof that genius and grit make an unbeatable match.

Watch The Queen's Gambit Online

Dr. Temperance Brennan — Bones

Dr. Temperance Brennan from Bones is as sharp as her scalpel, combining her forensic anthropology expertise with a no-nonsense approach that’s as precise as her findings.

Known as “Bones” to her team, Brennan’s genius lies in her analytical mind and encyclopedic knowledge of the human skeleton, which she uses to solve the most baffling cases.

Socially awkward but unwaveringly brilliant, she dissects clues no one else would spot.

Brennan proves that intellect and science can turn any mystery into a solvable puzzle — if you have the brainpower.

Watch Bones Online

Mare Sheehan — Mare of Easttown

Mare Sheehan from Mare of Easttown isn’t your typical genius, but her sharp instincts and gritty determination make her one of the smartest detectives on TV.

She knows her hometown and its people inside out, giving her an edge in solving crimes that stump everyone else.

Mare’s brilliance lies in her intuition, her relentless pursuit of the truth, and her ability to see through people’s facades.

With emotional scars and a no-BS attitude, she’s proof that intelligence comes in many forms, especially when it’s driven by raw resilience.

Watch Mare of Easttown Online

Ruth Wilder — GLOW

Ruth Wilder from GLOW is a creative genius who can turn any script — or wrestling move — into pure gold.

She may not be solving crimes or breaking codes, but her talent for reinventing herself and bringing characters to life is unmatched.

Ruth’s brilliance shines through in her resilience and relentless ambition, making her the heart and soul of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

Sure, she’s got her quirks, but it’s her out-of-the-box thinking and fierce dedication that make her an unforgettable force in and out of the ring.

Watch GLOW Online

Maeve Wiley — Sex Education

Maeve Wiley from Sex Education is a fierce, quick-witted genius whose intelligence goes far beyond the classroom.

While navigating a tough home life, she uses her smarts and streetwise edge to create an underground sex therapy clinic at school, helping her peers with issues they can’t bring to the adults.

Maeve’s brilliance isn’t just academic; it’s in her insight, empathy, and razor-sharp sense of justice.

She’s proof that genius isn’t just about grades — it’s about using your brain and heart to make a difference.

Watch Sex Education Online

Sheldon Cooper — The Big Bang Theory

Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory is the definition of a classic brainiac, with an IQ that’s off the charts and a downright obsessive love for physics.

Social cues? Not his strong suit. But when it comes to theoretical physics and obscure trivia, Sheldon’s in a league of his own.

His genius is often hilariously paired with his rigid quirks, making him both brilliant and endlessly entertaining.

Sheldon may drive his friends crazy, but there’s no doubt he’s one of TV’s most unforgettable geniuses.

Watch The Big Bang Theory Online

Kate Sharma — Bridgerton

Kate Sharma from Bridgerton is as sharp as they come, with a quick wit and a mind for strategy that rivals any chess player.

Navigating the complex world of Regency society, Kate uses her intelligence to protect her family’s interests while staying one step ahead of high society’s gossip and expectations.

Her intellect isn’t just book smarts; it’s the keen awareness and emotional intelligence that allow her to see through facades and play the long game.

Kate’s blend of heart and brains makes her a standout in the Bridgerton world.

Watch Bridgerton Online

Raymond “Red” Reddington — The Blacklist

Raymond “Red” Reddington from The Blacklist is the mastermind you never want to cross.

With a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the criminal underworld and a knack for manipulation, Red’s genius lies in his ability to predict and outwit everyone around him — the FBI included.

His charm and intellect keep him several steps ahead, blending ruthless strategy with charisma.

Red is a different kind of brilliant, one who uses his smarts for survival, power, and his own twisted version of justice.

When Red’s involved, it’s guaranteed to be dangerous and unpredictable.

Watch The Blacklist Online

Joe Leaphorn – Dark Winds

Joe Leaphorn from Dark Winds is a different kind of genius — a detective whose brilliance is rooted in cultural wisdom, patience, and a profound understanding of his people.

Working in the Navajo Nation, Joe’s investigative skills are heightened by his deep connection to tradition and his community, allowing him to see nuances others overlook.

His intelligence isn’t flashy, but it’s steady, resilient, and rooted in empathy.

Joe’s unique insights and steadfast approach make him a quietly powerful force in the world of crime-solving.

Watch Dark Winds Online

Charlie Cale – Poker Face

Charlie Cale from Poker Face is a human lie detector with a genius for spotting deception, a skill that keeps her both alive and in constant danger.

With a keen sense of human behavior and a knack for landing in the middle of trouble, Charlie’s brilliance is all street smart and quick thinking.

She doesn’t need a badge or a degree to unravel mysteries; her instincts and natural curiosity do the job.

Charlie’s sharp wit and unique gift make her an unforgettable anti-hero in the world of modern-day sleuthing.

Watch Poker Face Online

Wednesday Addams – Wednesday

Wednesday Addams from Wednesday is a gothic genius with a mind as sharp as her wit and a heart as dark as her wardrobe.

At Nevermore Academy, she dives into solving mysteries with deadpan humor and analytical precision that keeps everyone around her on edge.

Her intelligence is both cerebral and strategic, helping her navigate a world where she’s the ultimate outsider.

With her love for the macabre and her fearless curiosity, Wednesday proves that brilliance comes in all shades — including pitch-black.

Watch Wednesday Online

Omar Little – The Wire

Omar Little from The Wire is a street-smart legend who operates by his own code in the gritty world of Baltimore.

His brilliance isn’t academic — it’s the sharp instinct, tactical mind, and fearless resolve that make him untouchable.

Known for robbing drug dealers and enforcing his own brand of justice, Omar’s intelligence lies in his ability to outmaneuver everyone, from criminals to law enforcement.

With his unforgettable whistle and moral complexity, Omar proves that genius isn’t always about books; sometimes, it’s about survival and principles.

Watch The Wire Online

Kate Wyler – The Diplomat

Kate Wyler from The Diplomat is the embodiment of political savvy, expertly navigating the tumultuous waters of international diplomacy with skill and determination.

As the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, she faces complex geopolitical challenges while managing her own tumultuous personal life.

Sharp-witted and resourceful, Kate balances strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, making her a standout character in the world of political dramas.

Whether negotiating delicate situations or confronting personal dilemmas, her brilliance shines through, proving that intellect is as crucial as instinct in diplomacy.

With Keri Russell at the helm, Kate’s journey is as captivating as the global intrigue that surrounds her.

Watch The Diplomat Online

Nadia Vulvokov – Russian Doll

Nadia Vulvokov from Russian Doll is a genius wrapped in grit, sarcasm, and endless curiosity.

With a mind as sharp as her humor, Nadia’s brilliance is all about her resilience and ability to unravel complex mysteries, especially when she finds herself stuck in an existential time loop.

She’s a software engineer with street smarts and an edge that keeps her going through endless cycles of life and death.

Nadia’s intelligence isn’t conventional, but it’s fierce, making her one of TV’s most uniquely brilliant characters.

Watch Russian Doll Online

Maddie Nears – School Spirits

Maddie Nears from School Spirits is a high school ghost with a mind as sharp as her sense of justice.

Even in the afterlife, Maddie’s intelligence shines as she pieces together the mystery of her own disappearance, determined to uncover the truth from beyond the grave.

With her cleverness, persistence, and ability to rally other spirits, Maddie proves that being brilliant isn’t just for the living.

She’s the kind of sleuth who won’t rest until she gets answers, making her a standout in the supernatural detective world.

Watch School Spirits Online

Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones

Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones is a master of wit, strategy, and survival in a world where power is everything.

Known as the “Imp,” Tyrion’s brilliance is in his ability to outthink his enemies, using his intellect as his strongest weapon.

He’s sharp-tongued, deeply insightful, and quick to spot others’ weaknesses, making him a formidable player in the Game of Thrones universe.

Despite being underestimated, Tyrion’s wisdom and cunning allow him to maneuver through family treachery and political turmoil with unmatched skill.

Watch Game of Thrones Online

Alex Levy – The Morning Show

Alex Levy from The Morning Show is a media powerhouse whose brilliance lies in her adaptability, ambition, and razor-sharp intuition.

As the anchor of a high-profile morning show, Alex navigates the ruthless world of broadcast journalism with strategic finesse, balancing public image with personal turmoil.

She’s sharp, resilient, and often willing to make tough choices to stay on top.

Alex’s genius isn’t just in her on-air presence; it’s in her ability to read the room and stay steps ahead in an ever-changing industry.

Watch The Morning Show Online

Professor T – Professor T

Professor T from Professor T is a criminology genius with an eccentric twist, blending Sherlock-level deduction with a brilliant but complicated mind.

As a professor with a deep understanding of criminal psychology, he helps solve complex cases with insights that others miss entirely.

His brilliance is tempered by his quirks and obsessive tendencies, which make him fascinating and challenging to those around him.

Professor T’s unconventional genius is the heart of the show, proving that sometimes brilliance and eccentricity go hand in hand.

Watch Professor T Online

Jessica Fletcher – Murder, She Wrote

Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote is the ultimate amateur sleuth with a mind as sharp as her writing skills.

As a mystery novelist, Jessica has an uncanny knack for spotting clues and piecing together puzzles that leave everyone else stumped.

Her intelligence is subtle yet relentless, allowing her to outsmart criminals while maintaining her signature charm and warmth.

Jessica proves that you don’t need a badge to solve a case — just a keen eye, a brilliant mind, and maybe a typewriter.

Watch Murder She Wrote Online

Wrapping Up the Brainpower Brigade

These characters prove that genius takes many forms — some are calculating and strategic, others wildly inventive or hilariously eccentric.

Whether they’re solving crimes, saving lives, or outsmarting everyone in their path, they make the small screen a whole lot smarter.

Who’s your favorite TV brainiac? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep celebrating the brilliant minds that keep us hooked!

The post From Book Smarts to Street Smarts: 27 Brilliant TV Characters Who Make Genius Look Easy appeared first on TV Fanatic.

We’ve lamented many things, from the obsession with prequels, sequels, reboots, and revivals to the departure from family-focused dramas and the obsession with procedurals.

But there’s one era of television we desperately miss and long for Blue Sky TV.

The Tides are Finally Turning with a Shift Towards Lighter Series

There’s no nostalgia quite like the longing for USA Network and TNT’s staple Blue Sky series, from White Collar to Suits to Leverage.

And thankfully, in some capacity, networks and streamers have tried to capitalize off the massive success, popularity, and longing for those shows via the aforementioned reboots and revivals.

• Landman Season 1 Episode 6 Balances Brutality and Heart, Making It Hard to Look Away
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 18 Wrapped Up A 14-Year Run With A Reminder Of Everything That Makes This Cancelation Hurt
  by Jack Ori
• Fire Country Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Zombie Fires Take Control
  by Sara Trimble

But original pieces will always reign supreme!

Fortunately, the tides are changing, and it’s safe to say that we may be ushering in a new era of Blue Sky television.

You feel it too, don’t you?

Dark, Gritty Series and/or Prestigious Series Have Become the Norm

Network, cable, and streaming content have been such an endless stream of dark and gritty tales.

The general consensus seems to be that in order to chase after accolades and devote oneself to prestigious television, everything from procedurals to forever-extending limited series has to be darker fare, with complex characters shrouded in gray.

These series explore depraved arcs and storylines while diving headfirst into the nuances of humanity’s flaws and the bleak reality of the world.

And there’s nothing wrong with that, truly, but there’s ample space for more options, be it escapist forms of television or the perfect balance between dark and humorous.

For some time, it felt like shows were no longer allowed to be fun, humorous, and cheeky.

It seemed like a shortage of multifaceted characters who didn’t feel like perpetual downers or had us flipping through the DSM-5 once they were reduced to this sole, narrow facet of why they are as a person.

But now, blessedly, we’re seeing a shift, and if this continues, we may finally have a proper balance, let alone an entirely new era of Blue Sky television for our viewing pleasure.

High Potential Modernizes the Blue Sky Genre with Fantastic Results

There’s a reason why ABC’s High Potential has become such a massive hit and is critically acclaimed.

Kaitlin Olson is absolutely remarkable in the role.

The fun chemistry between Morgan and Karadec encapsulates everything we know and love about the “unorthodox buddy-cop” formula with a heaping dose of “will they/won’t they.”

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

These are formulas that consistently work right alongside the procedural formatting.

Blue Sky shows always manage to genre bend and blend with the perfect mix of drama and comedy that appeals to a broader audience.

They also have compelling enough characters to keep us invested, and we want to follow them through every plot point, however absurd, and nail the character development and the dynamic exploration.

High Potential Masters the Formula for Fun, Heartfelt TV

High Potential barreled onto the scene like the Kool-Aid Man (look it up for those too young to remember) and showed us exactly who and what it would be with the kickass High Potential Series premiere that instantly won viewers over.

And the hour struck the perfect balance throughout.

Morgan Gillory is such a genuinely fun character; she could stand toe-to-toe with Neal Caffery or Shawn Spencer and hold her own every time.

From the quirky, gaudy fashion that feels reminiscent of The Nanny’s Fran Fine to the refreshing Working-Class energy she exudes, Morgan is a character who feels familiar yet fresh, and she’s a well-thought-out character.

She’s not some collection of tropes and archetypes pieced together with no rhyme or reason behind it.

Morgan Gillory is the Perfect Blue Sky Lead Character

Morgan is, well, Blue Sky Barbie, a main character with real energy, an icon in the making, and someone with lasting power because it’s evident that, at least with its leads, High Potential recognizes that characters actually matter.

• Copy & Paste: Franchise Fatigue & Why The Rookie’s New Spinoff Already Lost Us
  by Jasmine Blu
• From Pandemic-Escapist Comfort to Hopelessly Bleak Asininity: Do We Need Outer Banks Season 5?
  by Jasmine Blu
• 15 Ways Outer Banks Season 4 Lost the Plot (and Pissed Us Off)
  by Jasmine Blu

The comedic notes and vulnerability have resulted in a well-rounded, fully realized character that appeals to viewers, and it’s all done without this perpetual cloud of darkness.

Morgan is a character with layers.

She has very real struggles, pain, flaws, and more — she’s a wonderfully complex woman and character.

And yet, like Blue Sky characters of yesteryear, she’s not wholly defined by her worst experiences or darkest traits.

High Potential brings the humor and the drama, the darkness and vulnerability and the comedy, all in equal measure, whether forgoing one for the other.

Karadec Balances Morgan Out Well in Ideal Leading Duo

Karadec is much the same, playing one of the strongest “Straight Man” we’ve seen onscreen in some time.

He’s a character who took a bit to settle in, but deliberately so, and once he did, it all clicked into place.

Their dynamic brims with potential exploration, and there doesn’t seem to be any rush to fast-track them to something romantic, as if the writers are checking off their list of goals they want to accomplish at the expense of organic storytelling.

Morgan’s antics at crime scenes and in the bullpen provide the comedic relief and fun that makes the series endearing; it’s the light-hearted fare that viewers naturally gravitate to like a fish to water because of how rare it is to find.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick
• Scrubs Is My All-Time Favorite Comedy, But I’m Not All In For The Scrubs Reboot Yet
  by Jack Ori

But High Potential handles the more grounded dramatic notes just as well.

Morgan’s motivations for consulting with the police are heartfelt.

She is a testament to a mother’s love for her child and desire to learn the truth about the type of person who slips through the cracks.

Compelling Family Focus Provides Resonant Drama without the Grit

The family component of the series is just as strong as the workplace humor and shenanigans, scratching the itch for the more personal touch of family-focused and centered storytelling.

Morgan’s compassion toward victims and even persons of interest is above the fray of a standard procedural and gives the series that human element that simply makes it click.

High Potential is just light enough to be a reprieve from the gritty or dark dramas while still having so much heart, being generally relatable to the average viewer.

Watch High Potential Online

In a newer era of Blue Sky programming, the series truly grasps the best of both worlds, leaning heavily into dramedy and not so much providing us with escapist television that pulls us out of our everyday lives as depicting them in a more realistic but less bleak way.

Wild Cards is a Criminally Underrated Breath of Fresh Air

Similarly, The CW import, Wild Cards, is executing the same thing.

Even more so than High Potential, Wild Cards clearly demonstrates that characters matter and that character-centric storytelling appeals to the masses.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

We don’t care what Max and Ellis are up to, which types of cases they take on, or how outlandish or fun their antics are as long as we learn more about these two characters and they tackle everything together.

Wild Cards understands that the appeal of the entire series hinges on plucky, fashionable, deceptively elusive, and fun Max, a con woman and thief who can pull off nearly any heist imaginable with such a flair that you love her for it.

As far as playing the straight man to Max’s shining star, Ellis is a wonderfully complex character with a deep history that comes to the forefront early on in the series and endears viewers to him instantly.

You’re invested in this pair instantly, and arguably even better than High Potential; the chemistry between Max and Ellis is so alluring that you’d follow them to the ends of the earth merely to watch how they handle the journey together.

If there is a series currently on air that feels modeled exactly after the best of what the Blue Sky Era had to offer, it’s Wild Cards, where the characters matter just as much, if not more, than cracking the cases.

It mesmerizes us with its glossy Vancouver setting, elaborate sets, fun fashion, and cases that are more amusing than dark.

Wild Cards’ Characters and Fantastic Chemistry Among the Leads is Everything We Could Ask For

We care about Wild Cards because we care about the characters.

Max and Ellis are just genuinely interesting to watch, and they work as well individually as they do together.

By devoting so much time and attention to character-building, everything else around the series happily falls into place.

• From Whimper to Weird: A Weak Accused Season 2 Ends with Sex Robots & Bizarre Murder
  by Jasmine Blu
• Accused Season 2 Episode 7 Review: “Eugene’s Story” is a Penultimate Whimper
  by Jasmine Blu
• 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 9 Reveals Gabriel’s Killer and Ties Up Loose Ends in Fall Finale
  by Jasmine Blu

It’s more of an escapist series than High Potential, but it’s all the better for it, and it doesn’t mean the series is devoid of some of the hard-hitting and dramatic moments that balance things out.

Offhand, Max’s relationship with her father is compelling to witness because it’s complex. You see how much he loves her and how easily he leads her astray by romanticizing a lifestyle of crime.

Max also serves as a captivating character because behind all the glitz and glam and the carefully curated and crafted bubbly facade is a woman who is unknowable and longs to be known and seen.

Slowly, it’s evident that Ellis is close to doing that, breaking past her defenses, not because he’s chipping away at her, but rather because in attempting to get past his guard and defenses, she’s vulnerable with him in a way she isn’t typically with others.

Their dynamic is at the center of Wild Cards and where the series thrives, and it’s perfectly reminiscent of the coveted duos who carried similar series: Harvey/Mike, Neal/Peter, Shawn/Gus, and, of course, the romantic offerings that add that extra layer via Covert Affairs‘ Annie/Auggie and Michael and Fiona.

Wild Cards delivers a dynamic duo that operates as an unorthodox buddy cop duo and a will they/won’t they.

It culls the best out of familiar tropes to produce a series that’s universally appealing.

And that’s what we’re seeing again: the emergence of universally appealing dramedies that prioritize characters and result in stronger storytelling.

High Potential and Wild Cards are Fortunately Not Alone

Watch Wild Cards Online

High Potential and Wild Cards are perfect examples of series that perfectly embody the Blue Sky Era of the past and depict a modern version of it now.

And they’re not alone.

• Days of Our Lives Spoilers For The Week of 12-16-24: Could There Be ANOTHER Twist In The Philip/Xander War?
  by Jack Ori
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming
• Fire Country Season 3 Episode 8 Spoilers: Zombies Come to Edgewater
  by Sara Trimble

With the massive success and appeal of CBS’ hit new series Matlock, following the equally acclaimed Elsbeth, it feels like we’re finally making headway with shows that mirror the Blue Skies genre and have some lasting power.

It seems that after an onslaught of darker fare and/or prestige television, recognition that viewers desire something lighter, relatable, and character-focused has led to actual results.

If viewers are receptive to these series and they find success and generate strong ratings, there’s a likelihood that the patterns will change and similar programming is on the horizon.

As we patiently wait for USA Network to revive its Blue Sky programming with original content, something that will likely be on the horizon come 2025, it’s a vote of confidence that other networks may have gotten a headstart.

• Exclusive Interview With Matlock’s David Del Rio: The Actor Takes Fans Behind The Scenes To The Heart of Matlock
  by Joshua Pleming
• Jacob Lofland on Cooper’s Journey in Landman: “It’s Not Going to Be Easy”
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Hallmark Hits the Field: Tyler Hynes and Hunter King Tease the Chiefs’ Christmas Romance
  by Carissa Pavlica

From Wild Cards and High Potential to Matlock and Elsbeth, it’s refreshing to have something other than The Rookie to maintain a trend or kickstart a new one.

And it’s a welcomed one. What do you guys think?

Are shows like Wild Cards and High Potential scratching that Blue Sky itch?

Does it feel like the dawn of a modern era for Blue Sky television?

Let us know below!

The post Are High Potential and Wild Cards the Dawn of a New Blue Sky Era? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

I don’t know how this series does it, but it continues to take each episode to greater heights than the previous one.

Every aspect of the story, from the episodic cases to the over-arching story, works together perfectly to create television perfection. High Potential is setting a new standard for procedurals.

Count me in if it means more fabulously dressed characters solving obscure and mind-boggling crimes.

As Always, Morgan Was Right On The Money

As far as cases go, this one was all over the place in the best way. You would think the grunt work in policing would be utterly dull, and it probably is, but not on High Potential.

Granted, that’s the magic of storytelling, but there were too many moving parts not to speed up the process in this case.

However, they could’ve saved a lot of time if they had just listened to Morgan (Kaitlin Olson). As always, the woman had the answer from the start.

She knew in her gut that Elaine wasn’t killed by Sam, the assistant. I’m ashamed to admit that I also thought for a moment that Sam might’ve killed her boss in her drunken blackout.

Thankfully, it was just a case of self-defense coupled with an unfortunate push that left Elaine dead as a doornail. Another thing to be grateful for is that she wasn’t real because that woman was a monster.

While Sam being the murderer might’ve given Morgan a more realistic perspective about possible killers, it was much better to see Morgan smiling as she left the precinct at the end of the day.

Then again, that smile may have a lot more to do with recent developments in the workplace.

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

Morgan And Karadec Are All The High Potential That Anyone Needs

If you read the High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 Spoilers, you know the synopses for the episode mentioned a new coworker catching Morgan’s eye.

While it wasn’t a fireworks explosion, there was definitely some heat between Morgan and the new janitor. It definitely doesn’t bode well for Ludo and Morgan to get back together.

I hate to say it, but the janitor, also on his way to being a nurse, was handsome as hell and quite the charmer. I wouldn’t mind seeing where this could lead as long as Morgan takes it slow.

Can you imagine what the precinct would be like if everyone found out Morgan was dating in the workplace? Karadec would never let her live it down.

The series is really pushing some sibling energy on Morgan and Karadec. I don’t know how Morgan’s character can realistically focus when she is at work.

How has Morgan not lost herself in Karadec’s smolder? Even when he’s being intimidating during interrogations, he’s still ridiculously handsome.

However, Morgan and Karadec’s growth as partners has shown how much they need each other. Their different perspectives on cases complement one another.

Morgan Is The Mama Bear That We All Deserve

Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) was convinced that Sam killed Elaine, which he wasn’t wrong about, and Morgan thought it was the husband because she knew that Sam wasn’t a murderer, which Morgan was also not wrong about.

Maybe if they had been on the same page, they might have found the hidden camera in Elaine’s office sooner, but it wouldn’t have been as much fun.

With the kids at Ludo’s (Taran Killam) for the week, Morgan deserves all the fun she can get. While the kids are a great part of Morgan’s home life, it was interesting to see her so focused on work.

• Days of Our Lives’ Doug Sendoff Reminds Viewers How Good This Soap Used To Be…And Can Be Again
  by Jack Ori
• The Blue Bloods Family Dinners: A Labor Of Love for Viewers and the Cast; Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg In Tears on The Talk
  by Jack Ori
• Dream or Delusion? How TV Shapes Our Vision of the American Dream
  by Lisa Babick

However, hopefully, it won’t be a recurring event because the kids are a lot of fun and help shine a spotlight on Morgan’s maternal side.

Speaking of those mommy instincts, the kids don’t need to be around for Morgan to go into full “Mama Bear” mode.

I don’t know if the writers just don’t want viewers to forget that Morgan is a mom, but that scene where Morgan is interrogating Carmen was so emotionally charged.

The way Morgan related to the woman on a mother’s level is one of the many reasons she is such an asset to the police. As Morgan more or less said, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to protect her kids.

Morgan doesn’t see the criminal that a person might be. She sees through right to the pain that they are in. Even more than that, she offers them understanding.

There Seems To Be A Trend Developing With Each Case On High Potential

As sweet as it is to see cases bring out Morgan’s big heart, has anyone else noticed a very present theme in almost all of the cases? There’s always some kind of connection to mothers or kids.

High Potential Season 1 Episode 1 dealt with a daughter looking for her mother, who was taken. That one was a little on the nose, but the series had just started.

Since then, we’ve had a mechanic pushed off a roof whose mother stayed by his side the entire time. Then, there were the two little girls who were kidnapped.

High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 was entirely about moms and kids with fun, exotic animals thrown into the mix.

The High Potential writers seem to have a plan and are sticking to it. If that is the case, I don’t mind it at all. Morgan is a fantastic character to watch at work, no matter the situation.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

One of the first things that stood out about this episode was that Morgan would have made an excellent lawyer. Someone should call Kathy Bates and get Miss Morgan on Matlock as soon as possible.

To be fair, there’s always the chance that Morgan may be inspired to put that big brain of hers to work on some textbooks and get a degree or twelve. Like all the commercials say, it’s never too late to get an education or whatever.

High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 was a symphony of emotions that worked together to weave another incredible episode. ABC has a hit on its hands that fans can’t get enough of — yours truly included.

What were your thoughts on the new janitor?

Do you think we’ll have to wait till the finale to hear more about Roman’s case?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review the next episode of High Potential!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Hangover appeared first on TV Fanatic.

If there is one thing this series is a pro at, it’s keeping the story moving and not letting anything get stale. Whether it’s the writing, the acting, or a combination of both, every episode is fresher than the last.

Now that we’re halfway through High Potential Season 1, fans can expect some shake-ups to keep the plot interesting.

From what I’ve gleaned from the synopses, disappointing news may be on the horizon for some audience members, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Now That Morgan And Karadec Have Established A Healthy Partnership, It’s Time To Cross Some Boundaries Into Hilarious Territories

First, High Potential is selling the hell out of Morgan being domestic. Every promo starts with Morgan wearing her “Mommy Hat” in one form or another.

I’m not mad about it. If anything, I commend the show for not pulling a bait-and-switch. It would’ve been easy for the writers to pivot Morgan’s character away from the home life arcs to focus more on her work.

It fits the character because her whole thing is moving a million miles per minute, so her home life keeps her balanced. Although, I wouldn’t mind if the same treatment were given to other characters.

In High Potential Season 1 Episode 5, we finally got a look into Adam’s — yes, I’m using Karadec’s first name — personal life. And if you’re like me, you were itching for more.

Now that Morgan and Karadec have established a healthy partnership, it’s time to cross some boundaries into hilarious territories. How funny was the date getting invested in the case when Morgan dropped in on Karadec’s date?

Considering Karadec is a tall drink of water, I’m hoping for many, many more interrupted dates in the future. You know Morgan is only getting started.

Things Aren’t Looking Too Hot For Morgan And Ludo Patching Things Up

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

Sadly, we may soon see the end of something else. For those hoping Morgan and Ludo (Taran Killam) would work it out, yours truly included, there are some new developments.

The official synopses for High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 reads: “A wild office party at a high-profile medical technology startup leads to the shocking murder of the founder and CEO, and Morgan and the team are on the case.

“Meanwhile, a new co-worker at the precinct catches Morgan’s eye.” We’ll get to the first part in a minute. Right now, we need to talk about that last line.

We have a new character coming to the show. That’s always fun because it introduces a new element to the established atmosphere.

However, whoever this is will likely be Morgan’s love interest. The biggest question I have is how attractive this character is that Morgan’s eye is only now being caught.

She’s been around Karadec and Oz this entire time without making so much as a passing comment about how handsome the detectives are. Even Detective Melon isn’t too hard on the eyes.

There was nothing in the promo about who this new character could be. We also don’t know if this will be a recurring character or just an episodic appearance.

Regardless, it does not bode well for the possibility of Ludo and Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) patching things up. Especially if her eyes are wandering around.

Although you already know, seeing how Morgan sizes up a guy she is interested in will be fun. She’ll look at his shoes and know he was in Italy two years ago during the winter or something weirdly specific.

Hopefully, High Potential Tackles Tropes By Turning Them On Their Head

While we don’t know much about this potential love interest, we at least have some insight into the characters for High Potential Season 1 Episode 6.

Derek Richardson plays the very handsome husband of the murder victim and, as you’ll see in the promo, is a suspect in the case.

• Exclusive Interview With Matlock’s David Del Rio: The Actor Takes Fans Behind The Scenes To The Heart of Matlock
  by Joshua Pleming
• Jacob Lofland on Cooper’s Journey in Landman: “It’s Not Going to Be Easy”
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Hallmark Hits the Field: Tyler Hynes and Hunter King Tease the Chiefs’ Christmas Romance
  by Carissa Pavlica

The actor has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades. He is known for his roles in The Offer, A Million Little Things, and Fear The Walking Dead.

It looks like this industry vet will play the typical sleazy widower. It’s hard to tell what his personality will be, but that’s how the promo paints him.

There is mention that the character may have been having an affair with his late wife’s assistant. It doesn’t get any more cliched than that.

However, the idea of the murder happening during an office party does add some intrigue to the case. Plus, you know Morgan will have a lot to relate to. That girl likely did some partying in her day.

High Potential Is A Scintillating Series Worth Soaking Up Every Sensational Second Of

The murder of a tech CEO means this will be Morgan’s first high-profile case. We may see how she handles media coverage of the murder — que Karadec’s speech to Morgan about not talking to the press.

I’ll tell you what we haven’t heard much about in a while, which is Roman. There has been no mention of the case since High Potential Season 1 Episode 3.

It seems like the case of Roman missing will tie into the following season. Which begs the question: Is this really the time to introduce a possible love interest for Morgan?

She already has a balanced co-parenting life with Ludo while looking into her missing ex. Things are going great, so the writers need to get in there and funk everything up.

That is how you make watchable TV, after all. As much as we’d love Morgan’s life to go as smoothly as possible, that gets old fast.

• Fanatic Feed: Industry Renewed For Season 4, Black Mirror Season 7 Cast Revealed, and More
  by Tyler Johnson
• Fanatic Feed: Jared Padalecki Renews Development Deal With CBS, Bosch: Legacy to End & More
  by Tyler Johnson
• Fanatic Feed: Teacup’s Perfect Teaser, Mormon Wives (No, really), The Gentlemen Renewed & More
  by Carissa Pavlica

The next episode will undoubtedly be rife with office politics and drama as the investigation into the CEO’s death continues. And you know Morgan and Karadec will find some skeletons in the deceased’s closet.

Whatever the situation, I’m going to soak up every scintillating second of this sensational series right along with you and everyone who loves this show as much as I do.

For now, check out the ABC’s High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 promo below!

What do you think might happen with Morgan and this new co-worker?

Who do you already suspect from the promo?

Please drop a comment below to let me know, and join me again when I bring you more spoilers for High Potential!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Episode 6 Spoilers: It’s All Fun And Games Until The Boss Dies At The Office Party appeared first on TV Fanatic.

A quick scan of the year’s top dramas turns up more cops and firefighters than a charity softball game in Central Park.

Throw in doctors, lawyers, lifeguards, and folks with first responder-adjacent jobs (a la Tracker’s Colter Shaw or High Potential‘s Morgan Gillroy), and pretty much every drama on network television is covered.

Obviously, TV’s fascination with cops, firefighters, FBI agents, etc. is nothing new.

After all, those people have very interesting jobs, which makes it easy for writers to come up with weekly adventures to enthrall audiences.

And if you’re looking for a hero in 2024, you could do a lot worse than the people who come to the rescue during emergency situations.

That might be especially true when said hero has a checkered past.

Need a redemption arc than can be completed over the course of an hour (44 minutes with commercials)?

Just have an inmate who’s been convicted of a violent crime save someone’s life by pulling them from a burning building.

It’s a scenario that’s played out several times on Fire Country, and we’re not knocking it in any way. It’s succinct and powerful, and in the age of TikTok-ified attention spans that’s a hell of a combination.

In fact, it’s important for us to note that we’re not dismissing these shows or the brave men and women they depict.

But interestingly, it wasn’t all that long ago that a list of TV’s top shows would’ve also contained oddball entries like Lost, Twin Peaks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, This Is Us, Parenthood, Gilmore Girls, and the like.

Even The X-Files, while it obviously centered on two FBI agents, was more concerned with matters otherworldly than procedural. And it was a massive hit across every major demo.

So what happened?

Why is it that at some point over the past 10 years, the major networks seemingly lost all interest in shows that don’t revolve around the people who show up when you dial 911?

Well, the situation might speak to the current political tensions in America these days.

In case you’ve been living under a rock in a cave on Mars these past few years, we have some sad news to deliver — the US has become pretty divided.

As in “people who are stockpiling canned goods might have the right idea”-level divided.

This split is most evident in our politics, but there are signs of it in our pop culture as well.

And it seems that conservatives got custody of broadcast TV in the national divorce. That said, liberals have not been left with an empty nest.

After all, it’s not as if more eccentric, provocative shows aren’t being produced anymore.

A look at the year’s top streaming and premium cable shows reveals a wide array of bold premises on shows like Baby Reindeer, The Penguin, Bridgerton, Only Murders In the Building, etc.

But it’s younger people and more affluent households that are most likely to subscribe to multiple streaming services.

Those demographics also tend to be more left-leaning in their politics, which might help to explain why they’re more interested in Scottish comedians and steamy Regency romances than the procedurals that remain popular with older audiences.

Obviously, there’s nothing new about generation and income gaps having an impact on viewing habits.

But the divide is wider than ever these days, as evidenced by a recent Bill Maher monologue in which the comedian joked about never having heard of CBS’ Tracker.

His studio audience — which was likely an affluent, coastal crowd — seemed to agree with his befuddlement at the fact that it’s TV’s most-watched show.

It was a small moment that spoke volumes about the state of television in 2024.

Interestingly, the broadcast sitcom is almost completely dead these days, possibly as a result of the fact that Americans can no longer agree on what’s funny.

Seinfeld and Home Improvement were the top two sitcoms of the 1990s, and they both drew such huge audiences that it’s safe to say their audiences overlapped considerably.

Nowadays, a single, Manhattan-based standup comic and a Midwestern, power-tool-obsessed family man would appeal to very different demographics.

But 30 years ago, a wide swath of the American public was able to appreciate the comedic potential in both scenarios.

Maybe the Tim and Jerry Divide tells us everything that we need to know about the division at the center of American cultural life in 2024.

Or maybe we’re just overthinking TV trends again. That’s sort of what we do here.

Anyway! Over to you TV fanatics!

Do you think modern broadcast television schedules can tell us anything about the US political climate?

Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!

The post Rise of the First Responders: What Do America’s Changing TV Habits Say About Our Politics? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

I don’t know if I missed it or if it just hadn’t been said, but I did not peg him for an “Adam.” I genuinely thought his name would be something like Gavin or Christopher. Oh, well.

Regarding useful information, this episode of High Potential was rife with one random fact after another. It was as hard to keep track of as the case.

However, not all knowledge is good. I will never be able to forget what Morgan said about gym weights having fecal bacteria on them. I guess it’s time to invest in a home gym.

Morgan And Karadec (Adam) Have A High Potential For Sibling Energy

At this point, no one can tell me Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) and Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) don’t act exactly like siblings. The way they mess with and tease one another is a textbook brother-and-sister relationship.

Did you see how Morgan took care of Karadec after she shot him in the neck with the tranquilizer gun? Or how she secured Karadec’s date with Aubrey Brown Hair Bumble?

And if that isn’t enough to sell Morgan and Karadec’s sibling energy, what about when Morgan showed up at Karadec’s date?

No one but a sister could so easily swoop in, fake being his wife to mess with Karadec before jumping into the case with complete disregard for the date. Speaking from experience.

The most shocking part of High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 was that Karadec didn’t give Morgan a big speech about shooting him in the neck.

If you read the High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 Spoilers, you know I was fully expecting a big brother speech from Karadec. The fact that he rolled with it shows both progress and the growing connection between Karadec and Morgan.

Personal Growth Seems To Be On The Menu For The High Potential Cast

• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Sees Justice Take A Day Off As The Titular Character Squares Off Against Her Greatest Threat Yet
  by Joshua Pleming
• Matlock Season 1 Episode 8 Shows The True Driving Force Behind Matty’s Revenge, And It Is As Heartbreaking As You Might Think
  by Joshua Pleming
• Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers: Michael Emerson Makes The Switch From Evil To Elsbeth
  by Joshua Pleming

And let’s give it up for Daphne and Oz. I’ve poked fun about the series underutilizing the characters, but I may have to eat my own words.

Not only were they very active, but I dare say they were leading this case almost as much as, if not more than, Karadec and Morgan. Looks like there is more than one dynamic duo.

Though he was only in the episode for a few minutes, Ludo is always a welcomed addition to the story. We love a dad who enjoys all the parts that come with responsibility.

If you read my review for High Potential Season 1 Episode 2, you know I called out dads who refer to watching their kids as “babysitting.” It’s not babysitting if they’re your kids.

Normally, I would ding the show for portraying a dad getting paid to watch his kids. However, Ludo is a genuinely great dad, so I fully support this little financial loophole, especially in this economy.

And, hey, let’s also give it up to Morgan. She could’ve flown off the handle like in High Potential Season 1 Episode 3, but she didn’t.

Morgan And Ludo Are A Love Story Waiting To Happen … Again

Kudos to Morgan for growing as a mother and knowing that not everything is okay just because you’re a parent.

I can already see the parents commenting on this episode’s decision-making. I am not a parent, but I do think a little light snooping is necessary sometimes.

However, I also agree with Ludo. Snooping is a slippery slope. Once you snoop, it becomes your primary mode of obtaining information.

The way Morgan handled it seems like the best formula. Snoop a little, find something, and then have a calm, open, and honest conversation. Again, I’m not a parent, but that seems like sound logic.

Plus, I cracked up when Morgan said, “It certainly looks like all the birth control I forgot to take.” I rewound that part so many times. The realistic portrayal of parenting is chef’s kiss perfection.

Now, Ludo (Taran Killam) and Morgan need to work through their issues. That way, they can have a nice, happy home. Morgan has too big of a heart not to be with Ludo, whom she clearly still cares for.

High Potential Has Certainly Kept Up With The Eye-Candy

The only ding I have for this episode is the case. Not the murder, but how the clues and evidence were laid out. I had to rewind once or twice because I was lost.

Someone was someone’s mother, but then the other mother found out, and then the husband, who isn’t the biological dad, covered for the wife, who isn’t the biological mom. It was so confusing at first.

There’s complicated and then there was whatever that was. However, I got it in the end. And hats off to Adam Hagenbuch (American Horror Stories) as Shane Seger. The actor did a fantastic job with the character.

Also, I’m just going to say it: I don’t blame Monica. That was one bad boy I’d happily make some wrong choices with. I had to turn a fan on when Morgan and Karadec interrogated him.

I doubt we’ll see Shane again, but you never know. He could end up in the cop’s crosshairs again, trying to regain his son. The reason doesn’t matter to me.

Anyway, we’ve reached the halfway point of High Potential Season 1, and I’ve seen no movement in Roman’s case since “Dirty, Rotten Scoundrel.”

It’s starting to seem like the case of Roman missing may be worked into the finale and the possible cliffhanger. Although, it is strange that Morgan hasn’t brought it up.

• New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending?
  by Carissa Pavlica
• Prison Break Reboot From Mayans M.C. Boss Receives Pilot Order at Hulu
  by TV Fanatic Staff
• Friday Night Lights Reboot Lands at Peacock (But It Will Never Recapture the Magic of the Original Series)
  by Tyler Johnson

Either way, that arc will have to be addressed again at some point. Eventually, the murders will lighten up enough that Morgan will remember her missing ex.

Now, if you all will excuse me, I have to check myself for ear dimples. Did you know that was a thing? I’d never heard of ear dimples before this episode, but I’m fascinated.

If you have ear dimples, sound off in the comments.

Another incredible episode of ABC‘s High Potential is in the books. If you’re like me, you’re thoroughly addicted to this series and soak up every sensational second.

Did you know about ear dimples before this episode?

Would you like to see Morgan and Ludo get back together?

Please drop a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review the next episode of High Potential!

Watch High Potential Online

The post High Potential Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Croaked appeared first on TV Fanatic.