Breaking Bad Habits in Morgan’s Children: High Potential Strategies in Season 2

As High Potential continues to dominate the ratings following its recent season renewal announcement, the writers must critically assess and overhaul how they weave Morgan’s children into the narrative. Currently, Ava and Elliot’s appearances feel forced, suggesting a disconnection from the core reasons they were initially included in the storyline.

This challenge extends beyond the children; Morgan’s relationship dynamics are also under scrutiny. For example, her breakup with Tom in episode 9 raises doubts about the significance of his character arc. However, the concerns surrounding Ava and Elliot are particularly urgent. After all, Morgan’s acceptance of her consulting position was fundamentally motivated by her desire to provide for her kids and help Ava find closure regarding her father’s mysterious disappearance. With the confirmation of season 2, it’s crucial for the show to redefine how it includes Ava and Elliot in its episodic narratives.

Integrating Ava and Elliot into Morgan’s Investigations

Recognizing Their Potential Contributions

Despite ten episodes of development, Elliot’s character still appears to serve only as an occasional subplot. Ava’s character is not far behind, especially given that her father’s disappearance is a pivotal plot point of the series. Both characters deserve more substantial roles that leverage their unique insights. Involving them in Morgan’s murder investigations could significantly enhance their contributions to the show.

While involving children in murder investigations may seem irresponsible, both of Morgan’s children (excluding Chloe) possess valuable perspectives to offer. Elliot, sharing his mother’s eidetic memory yet focusing on different interests, can be an asset. Additionally, Ava’s understanding of youth culture and social media could provide critical insights that Morgan and her partner, Karadec, lack. Moreover, the original French series, HPI, set a precedent by integrating Morgane’s children into such scenarios.

HPI’s Inclusion of Children in Investigations

Audrey Fleurot as Morgane Alvaro with her children in HPI

In the French-Belgian series HPI, Morgane Alvaro frequently involved her children in her investigative efforts. Much like High Potential, HPI features Morgane consulting law enforcement while navigating the complexities surrounding her own family’s mystery. A key distinction is Morgane’s willingness to engage her children in her casework, bringing them to crime scenes when necessary and incorporating their observations.

The children’s interpretations of peculiar behaviors among suspects reveal their unique worldviews. Simultaneously, Morgane’s explanations deepen the audience’s understanding of her character’s intricate thought processes as an investigator. This synergy not only adds depth to the plot but also maintains narrative momentum. In one memorable scene from season 2, episode 2, Morgane engages her children in a game during a stakeout, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative observation.

Justifying Increased Involvement of Morgan’s Children

Using Captain Pacheco’s Introduction for Creative Storytelling

Characters from High Potential in a scene

While High Potential has the opportunity to mirror HPI’s successful strategies, it also faces unique hurdles. Morgan, portrayed as a more cautious parent than Morgane, still has avenues to incorporate her children into investigations meaningfully. Recent developments in season 2 provide an ideal framework for integrating Elliot and Ava into the storyline.

In HPI, Morgane’s decision to include her children in the investigation stemmed from her need to go rogue while under scrutiny, allowing for a natural reason to bring them into her world. High Potential finds itself in a similar position, particularly after LAPD Captain Pacheco’s introduction in episode 11, which casts doubt on Morgan’s credibility as a consultant. This dynamic offers an excellent opportunity for Ava and Elliot to become more involved without coming off as contrived. Such a storyline can simultaneously advance Morgan’s character development while integrating her children into the series’ critical narrative threads.

The Importance of Ava and Elliot’s Roles in High Potential’s Future

The Core Motivation Behind Morgan’s Career Choices

It is critical to reiterate that Morgan’s decision to pursue her job was driven by her children. Her primary motivation was to create a more secure future for them, while simultaneously seeking answers regarding Roman’s disappearance, which significantly impacts Ava’s emotional state. In order to authentically resolve this plot line, the show must allow Ava more screen time to establish a deeper emotional resonance with the audience.

Moreover, High Potential currently lacks cohesion, as demonstrated by episode 12, which touches on how Morgan’s workload affects Ludo, leaving Ava and Elliot feeling sidelined. Emphasizing them as a part of the central mysteries can significantly enhance character depth and provide a platform to explore their reactions to Morgan’s evolving role, effectively enhancing the overall narrative experience for viewers.

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