High Potential Season 2's Villain Is Good News For Morgan & Karadec's Inevitable Future
Warning! Spoilers ahead for High Potential season 2, episode 8, "The One That Got Away: Part Two."High Potential season 2 introduces an effective villain in Nick Wagner, but his existence in the show is actually good news for Morgan and Karadec's future. ABC's breakthrough series of 2024 continues to be very popular during the 2025-2026 TV cycle. While some long-running plots are still at play, High Potential has introduced new elements and faces to keep things interesting for its viewers. As High Potential continues its Roman mystery, with the introduction of Arthur, who is currently the only credible link between Morgan and his missing ex-husband. The rest of Major Crimes are supportive of digging deep into the case, but they also have to juggle it with the pressure of their jobs. Things are especially tricky with newcomer Wagner being their new Captain.
Nick Wagner's Existence Kickstarts Morgan & Karadec's Slowburn In High Potential
Steve Howey as Nick Wagner on High Potential season 2.ABC
Wagner has made it clear that he isn't fully sold on Morgan's role as consultant in the show. The pair has had a few blowouts in High Potential season 2 so far. There's also some kind of animosity against him because Soto was passed on for the promotion. Overall, Wagner is still an enigma, prompting people to be more cautious around him. That said, High Potential season 2, episode 8 offers a benefit to his existence in the show, particularly the outing's final moment. As the team celebrates the resolution of a tricky case about stolen art, Wagner approaches Morgan, and as they banter, Karadec is seen in the background staring at them. By introducing a potential threat to Morgan, Karadec's protectiveness kickstarts, making it also easier for him to realize his true feelings for her. For context, this isn't the first time that High Potential gave Morgan a love interest, besides the expectation that she and Karadec would be together. In season 1, she was partnered with Tom. While their romance didn't last that long, it didn't have the same impact as Wagner because Karadec didn't have to spend much time with them. Because he knows that Wagner is a position of power, Karadec's senses are more heightened.
Why Morgan & Karadec's Romance Is Inevitable But Not Immediate
Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory and Daniel Sunjata as Adam Karadec in High Potential©ABC/Disney/ Courtesy MovieStillsDB
High Potential is based on the French show, HPI. The foundation of the show follows the original, albeit some changes in specific plots to keep things fresh for new viewers. It's safe to assume that creator Drew Goddard and ABC will continue to stick with the series' source material for major narratives, including the slow-burn between Morgan and Karadec. Sure, the contemporary version might deviate in terms of the details, but at the end of the day, they are expected to be endgame. Aside from Morgan and Karadec's romance being a slow-burn in HPI, it's also additional motivation that the trope is immensely effective on network TV. Unlike streaming series that have limited episodes and no annual release guarantee, shows on traditional broadcasting, like High Potential, have set output, meaning creatives can develop long-term storylines that they can develop for years.
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High Potential
9/10
Release Date
September 17, 2024
Showrunner
Todd Harthan