High Potential

At first I thought this was going to be a comedy along the lines of Psych! Or an absurd comedy like Always Sunny. I mean, the only characters I've ever seen Kaitlin Olson play are trashy women with a very caustic sense of humor. If that's what you like about her, don't worry, she definitely brings both of those qualities to this role. But she somehow does it in a mature way.

Although the first episode is all I've seen so far, it does appear to be a series similar to the aforementioned Psych! And it's fraternal twin, The Mentalist. It features Olson playing a character with an extremely high IQ who also suffers from a type of OCD, where she obsesses about things that are out of place. She also has a very fine sense of observation, and she uses these quirks to assist the local police in solving crimes.

This isn't a drama detective show, but it's not a comedy played for laughs either. It's a light action crime show like ABC's The Rookie and even gives me vibes of FX's brilliant Rescue Me series from the early 2000s.

The first episode was enjoyable and I hope the show continues along the same lines, with just enough dark humor to make it enjoyable, but without turning into a joke.

Why does Hollywood use the same old formula whenever they start a series where a genius has insights with evidence that others miss? They can't be normal with high intelligence. They need to have some odd condition that makes them quirky in some manner. Unless it's an updated Sherlock Holmes then he's just plain a jerk to most people he comes into contact with. The genius here is pretty so naturally she being a genius with three children is going to fashion herself so she looks like a street walker. Her mind is like an encyclopedia, but apparently her real expertise is in all things related to what a domestic cleaning lady knows. None of that is necessary. She has a famil to create enough actual back story without making her an oddball. Start letting her dress nice without looking like a lot lizard down at the truck stop. Watching her solve things is the real attraction after all..

After seeing the pilot, this seems like a 90% scene-for-scene reshoot of the original French series (tt14060708) - which would be ok, if not for the fact that it has been softened for the US audience. The characters and the flow of the series seem less complex. This still makes for a good show though, but not on the same level as the original, sadly.

EDIT: I have seen 10 episodes at this point, and the show has strongly deviated from the French show. First, the US version has added several original storylines instead of just copying everything. But more importantly, while the original Morgane is a self-absorbed, ignorant, loud, unlikable egocentric throughout the whole show, American Morgane is is a way more likable character. Her quirks are significantly toned down.

This gives the show more feel-good quality. I am not sure if this is a good thing though - while French Morgane is a terrible human being, she surely makes the show unique. American HIP is nice and cute and all, but as a result it's just another "funny" crime show starring a main protagonist with a goofy flaw/skill and it that sense it is not much different than Monk, Unforgettable, Lie to me, The Mentalist and dozens of other, similar shows.

I'm really a sucker for any series/movie that shows someone who has a unique ability hidden behind a persona that just doesn't match. Kinda like a secret super power. The main character has just that. Seems like her life is a bit in shambles, she's all over the place, but...she's crazy smart and notices details other well experienced people miss. I was already a fan of Kaitlin, so no surprise I love her here as well. She plays frazzled so well! I appreciate that each episode resolves the case. I'm over a series dragging out over an entire season or multiple. Just give me a solid story and conclusion in under an hour! This delivers. Well paced, has some funny lines and overall just enjoyable to watch. Really looking forward to additional episodes. Just hope they don't cancel it after one season like everyone is doing these days. Solid MC you want to root for.

So far I am liking this show. It has kind of Mrs. Monk feel. My big gripe is I do not know why every teenage female has to be written like this in every movie and TV show nowadays. I am calling it now (after only 2 episodes) that she will storm out and do something she is not to do that will put her or someone else in danger. This is a trope I am sick of at this point. Can nobody just write a teenage girl that isn't a rude selfish stereotype. This is more annoying than the manic pixie girl from the 00's. I have 5 sisters and they all have different attitudes and demeanor. This just feels like cheap drama creation. Sorry rant over. I do recommend checking out the show and hope it stays strong and intriguing.