Disney+ has added a new series that could be considered one of the most creative murder mysteries available, and it might prove exactly what Netflix is missing. The show follows Morgan, a single mother with three children who works as a cleaner for the Los Angeles Police Department. She is also a high potential intellectual with an IQ of 160.
After solving a case using her unconventional mind, she becomes a consultant for the LAPD's Major Crimes division. Part of the agreement sees the police investigate the disappearance of Morgan's first ex-husband, who vanished when her eldest daughter was just a baby.
It is an Americanised version of a French Belgian show that shares the same premise, which has so far aired four seasons. Just seven episodes in, this take on the series could easily be on the same path, thanks to a combination of smart casting, creative criminal mysteries, and providing something for cosy crime fans, where alternative streamers like Netflix come up short.
High Potential is a solid entry in the beloved 'murder of the week' genre, where an unconventional character is key to solving a different crime per episode. Think Murder, She Wrote or Castle. British television has a strong history of this kind of show too, from Rosemary & Thyme to Father Brown.
However, searching for this type of show on Netflix, the results seem overwhelming yet slim. The platform's offerings focus on gritty, violent and realistic interpretations, although it does at least have Monk. Fans typically have to look elsewhere for this kind of show, and Disney+ may be becoming the must-have subscription for cosy crime enthusiasts.
High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson, known for her role as Dee in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, who takes on the role of Morgan flawlessly. She is supported by Daniel Sunjata as Detective Karadec, who is hesitant enough about having an unorthodox consultant but not enough to get in the way of the fun. The cases range from a tap dancer pushed off a roof to a lethally poisoned vet, making it one of the most creative murder mysteries available.
