High Potential

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..

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.

Examining her TV resume away from Always Sunny, and topping her role on The Mick, Olson glides onto screen in a not-so shot-for-shot remake of this French procedural, but she's definitely on vibes with it.

Throughout the episode you can tell Olson was attracted to this project by the way it portrays a struggling, body-empowered, capable woman. Comedy is stitched in through her delivery, much the same as the tongue in cheek of its French take.

What this series does better though is keep you captivated by a seasoned cast led by Judy Reyes, whose stern eyes and soft voice invite the audience to develop a sense of empathy towards the players her character cares to collect around her to seek justice.

The first episode was well done, though editing could use some work. The series would be lifted by more scenes between Reyes and Olson.

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.

And I'd have gotten away with it if it wasn't for that pesky cleaning lady !! Nothing we haven't saw before , gifted amateur advising police using her special powers of deduction !! Complete hokum -but Kaitlin Olson is utterly charming as Morgan, police cleaning lady when we 1st meet her but soon invaluable crime solver for the LAPD. Throw in a cute family and lovable ex partner plus a back story of her daughter's missing father which adds a slightly harder tone and a storyline which hopefully builds week by week !! Morgan's hooker dress sense and rebellious streak pits her against a hard working police team headed by Judy Reyes of Scrubs fame who soon succumb to her genius ..... Scooby Doo meets Sherlock Holmes in fun quirky viewing !!