Warning: this article contains spoilers forHigh Potential.The first seven episodes ofHigh Potentialhave been an unexpected joy, but the best part has beenKaitlin Olson showcasing her acting chopsfree from herIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiarole. Olson’s newest project has quickly garnered devout followers, including viewers who enjoy simple police procedurals and fans of cozy detective mysteries who thinkHigh Potentialis the modernPsych.A significant portion ofHigh Potential’s audience also came fromIt’s Sunnyfans who tuned in just to see Kaitlin Olson. Her character Morgan Gillory, however, is the polar opposite of what those fans expected.
Olson has portrayed Deandra “Dee” Reynolds inIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiasince 2005, with the actress only absent from a single episode in the near 20-year run. Acting alongside husband and show creator Rob McElhenney, Olson is a core member of the ensemble cast. However, the more time she spends away from Dee exponentially revealshow necessaryHigh Potential’s change of pace is for Olson. The new ABC hit even argues that Olson’s breakout performance as Morgan inHigh PotentialprovesIt’s Sunnyshould end.
High Potential Allows Olson To Flex Her Acting Muscles Beyond Comedy
Morgan Lets Olson Showcase A Range Of Emotions
Morgan offers Olson the room to develop a full-fledged character rather than a one-note caricature. With only the first half of its pilot season released,High Potentialhas already given Morgan more depth in a few months thanIt’s Sunnygave Dee in decades.Olson’s acting is at the forefront ofHigh Potential,with her subtle facial expressions making just as much of an impact as her bold line delivery. She embraces different facets of Morgan, presenting her snarky fashionista persona just as authentically as her moments of pure maternal love or raw grief.
Karadec Vs. Tom: Who Morgan Should End Up With In High Potential?
High Potential not only puts a comedic twist on a crime TV show but also develops multiple opposing love interests for Morgan Guillory.
That’s not to say Olson’s work inHigh Potentialis devoid of comedy. In fact, she portrays the hilarious genius, withHigh Potential’s Morgan reminiscent ofSuits' Mike Ross. The key difference is thatOlson’sHigh Potentialwork is grounded. Morgan doesn’t make a spectacle for no reason. She can crack a joke while examining a crime scene and burst into tears when her daughter is held at gunpoint without feeling like a farce. Olson brings an extraordinary balance to Morgan’s character that forever ensures the world remembers her vast acting range.
High Potential’s Morgan Being Very Different From It’s Sunny’s Dee Makes Olson’s Transition More Impressive
Olson Benefits From A Role Rooted In Reality
Whereas Morgan is a complex character with a strong internal moral compass, Dee is chaos incarnate. The character is incompetent, volatile, and villainous at times. The difference between the two characters is as stark as night and day:Morgan solves crimes while Dee would likely be the criminalshe brings to justice. Olson fully commits to the absurdity of Dee’s character, but there’s only so much she can do within the confines of the show’s satirical comedy.
The character of Dee Reynolds was originally played by Jordan Reid, but Olson assumed the role following the unaired pilot.
While Olson has spent 16 seasons giving her all to Dee Reynolds, less than 16 weeks has been enough for the clamor forHigh Potentialseason 2to be confirmed. It’s undeniable:Morgan is a better character for Olsonto flaunt her heretofore neglected acting skills. Her performance is so dynamic, refreshing, and unexpected, that it’s no surprise the fall finale has left viewers impatiently waiting forHigh Potentialepisode 8to release. Ultimately, Kaitlin Olson is a phenomenal actress who has definitively proven she can entertain audiences at both ends of the drama-comedy spectrum.
High Potentialreturns on January 7 on ABC.
High Potential
Morgan, a single mother of three with a brilliant but unconventional mind, partners with a methodical detective after solving a crime during her job as a cleaner. Together, they form an unlikely but effective duo, blending her unique problem-solving skills with his by-the-book approach to tackle challenging cases.
