High Potential‘s Daniel Sunjata addresses the dynamic between Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) and his character Detective Karadec following the midseason premiere, which sparked more intrigue about their relationship. Created by Drew Goddard, the procedural series follows the story of the unlikely partnership between Karadec, a methodical detective, and Morgan, an eccentric single mother with an IQ of 160 and a knack for solving murders. Although High Potential has just returned from its midseason break, the series is already a massive success for ABC, breaking viewership records and earning a fresh 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Sunjata shared his thoughts on Karadec and Morgan’s relationship and pointed out the complexities of their growing partnership. In the midseason premiere, it seems that Karadec gets a little weird when Morgan mentions Tom (JD Pardo), the police station janitor who seems to be a potential love interest. However, Sunjata says, “If Karadec is jealous, I don’t think he’s aware of it.” Read his full comments below:
What was interesting about that scene is that there are two separate moments of individual revelation to one another about something deeply personal. She makes an observation about [the painting of the flower on the wall], and I think it’s right before she leaves, Karadec decides to open up slightly and tell her a little bit about himself, his past, and the story behind that. Whether or not he’s jealous, and also to your point about the audience, maybe hoping for a little will-they-won’t-they… If Karadec is jealous, I don’t think he’s aware of it. At this point, it would be coming from a place inside of him, I don’t think he’s consciously jealous.
Sunjata went on to explain what he believes are Karadec’s true feelings for Morgan. He hinted that the creators, along with Olson, who also produces the show, are adopting a slow-burn approach to the “will-they-won’t-they” dynamics in their relationship. He said:
I think at this point in their relationship, he is more protective than anything else. I think he feels like a responsibility to be protective of her, more or less as a friend. But I think that they clearly are putting that undertone in there and wanting to move it in that direction. And Todd Harthan our showrunner, and Drew Goddard, the creator of the show, and of course Kaitlin, I think that they’re going to be very economical in how they tease out the will-they-won’t-they. I think the slower they take that, the smarter the show will be, and I think the more it will serve the show rather than rushing to some kind of a romantic fling or something between the two of them.
What This Means For High Potential
The Chance To Explore Morgan And Karadec’s Bond
Morgan and Karadec’s dynamic has been one of the highlights of High Potential, balancing tension, humor, and mutual growth. While audiences are eager for a potential romance between the two, Sunjata’s comments, and the creative team’s measured approach, hint towards a slow-burn, unpredictable relationship that promises their dynamic will remain authentic and intriguing. By choosing not to jump right into a romance between the two, the series avoids falling into clichéd romantic tropes. By focusing on their professional relationship and their growing friendship, the show ensures that their audience will stay engaged waiting for the resolution of the “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic.
Keeping Morgan and Karadec’s bond rooted in friendship would also set the show apart from other procedural dramas where the leads often follow a predictable romantic arc. By taking this approach, High Potential allows itself to present a fresh dynamic that focuses on their partnership, and how their often opposing viewpoints fuel their crime-solving abilities. It also leaves room for gradual character and relationship development without rushing into romance, not only preserving the tension and intrigue that keeps many viewers interested but also allowing Morgan to explore other romantic avenues, like Tom.
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Additionally, the show could also introduce a new love interest for Karadec, adding more tension and creating future storylines that would guarantee the show’s longevity whether the creative team decides to make them a couple or continue building on their friendship. Although there hasn’t been any confirmation for High Potential season 2, it is safe to say that Morgan and Karadec will remain a dynamic crime-solving duo that enthralls audiences and keeps them coming back for more.
Our Take On Karadec and Morgan’s Dynamic
The Perfect Balance Between Friendship and Potential Romance
As the series progresses, the duo’s relationship will likely continue to evolve. Sunjata’s comments suggest that any romantic development between Morgan and Karadec will be a slow burn, showing the creative team’s priority of emphasizing character-driven storytelling over instantly pleasing the audience and potentially hurting the show. It is also important to remember High Potential‘s mystery of Morgan’s missing ex-husband, Roman, is still in development, which could potentially strain her future relationships depending on its outcome. Whether their partnership remains platonic or evolves into something more, Morgan and Karadec’s journey will for sure keep viewers invested.
Source: TV Insider
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.
- Release Date
-
September 17, 2024
- Cast
-
Javicia Leslie
, Kaitlin Olson
, Deniz Akdeniz
, Amirah J
, Matthew Lamb
, Judy Reyes
, Daniel Sunjata
, Garret Dillahunt
, TJ Lee
, Kayvon Esmaili
, Ariella Amar
, Michelle C. Bonilla
, Kerry O’Malley
, Graham Rogers
, Maia Jae Bastidas
, Pamela Roylance
, Rosslyn Luke
, Sebastien Roberts - Character(s)
-
Daphne
, Morgan
, Lev Oz Osman
, Ava
, Elliot
, Selena
, Karadec
, Lieutenant Melon
, Lin
, Darius Farzan
, CSI Tech
, Regina
, Anne Davis
, Kyle
, Letty Acosta
, Lenore Donovan
, Monica Davis
, Brian Dimon - Creator(s)
-
Drew Goddard
- Seasons
-
1
- Streaming Service(s)
-
Hulu