Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for High Potential Season 2, Episode 4.As is customary for High Potential, Season 2, Episode 4, “Behind the Music” features Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson) and the Major Crimes team investigating a murder. This week, however, they are faced with two connected murders that occurred decades apart. A woman named Raina Viera (Barbara Eve Harris) calls 9-1-1 in the cold open in distress, claiming she just witnessed a man shoot a woman. When Morgan and Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) arrive to investigate, Raina insists that she never made the call and forcibly ejects them from her home.
Later that day, Raina is found murdered in her home, prompting the Major Crimes team to investigate both her murder and the murder she seemingly witnessed before her death. Meanwhile, Selena (Judy Reyes) is in contention for Captain but is ultimately passed over for the position. While this episode’s case is somewhat predictable, its strength lies in its exploration of Morgan’s relationships with Karadec and Selena, which are particularly significant this week.
In ‘High Potential’ Season 2, Episode 4, Morgan and Her Team Investigate Two Connected Murders Decades Apart
Morgan and Karadec delve into Raina’s murder, leading them first to her neighbor/dealer and then to her basement. They discover that Raina had dementia and that a blood-stained sequined dress in her basement likely triggered an old memory of witnessing a murder. By investigating the timeline of when the dress was made, Morgan uncovers that over two decades ago, a 25-year-old singer named Greta St. John was shot. Morgan and Karadec, along with Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz), split up to interview two individuals. Daphne and Oz speak with Eddie Friedman, who managed the Black Jewel, the club where Greta performed at the time of her murder. Meanwhile, Morgan and Karadec interview Lucy (Zoë Soul), who had been conducting interviews with Greta for a project and whom Raina had attempted to contact before her death.
Both Eddie and Lucy redirect Morgan and Karadec’s investigation towards Mac Epps, a manager who had worked with both Lucy and Raina. Epps had been arrested on drug charges, and after his release from prison, he attempted to reinsert himself into Greta’s career. Morgan and Karadec visit Epps at the Black Jewel, where Karadec confronts him about both murders. Morgan connects matching tattoos between Greta and Epps, revealing they were a couple. Morgan and Selena then review photos of Greta and realize that Greta had given birth to Mac Epps’ child shortly before her death. They deduce that Greta concealed the child from Epps; upon discovering this, he killed her while Raina witnessed it. To protect Morgan, Karadec insists she stay behind while he confronts Epps at the Black Jewel. In a tense moment where Epps holds a woman at gunpoint, Karadec shoots him to save her life.
After being cleared by Internal Affairs, Karadec learns that Mac Epps was two hours away when Raina was murdered. Morgan then realizes that Lucy is Greta’s child and that Lucy killed Raina. Lucy admits she sought out Raina for answers about her mother. Due to Raina’s dementia, she inadvertently revealed to Lucy that she was involved in covering up Greta’s death. Lucy confronted Raina and pushed her down the stairs. Consequently, Karadec and Morgan arrest Lucy, effectively closing the case.
In a subplot that proves more engaging than this week’s case, Selena is vying for captain but does not secure the position. Instead, someone from another squad is brought in. Despite her disappointment, Selena maintains composure to lead her team effectively. Morgan meets with Selena to reassure her that she doesn’t need to be strong all the time. Morgan also suggests that if she were in Selena’s position, she’d question whether being passed over for promotion was due to being a woman. While this plays a part in it, as Solomon from Internal Affairs hints to Selena, it appears Selena is also being penalized for bringing Morgan on as a consultant.
Following her meeting with Selena, Morgan waits for the elevator where she encounters the new Captain, Nick Wagner (Steve Howey). He informs Morgan that he has heard much about her and has been looking forward to their meeting. However, after Solomon’s warning, this feels like an implicit threat suggesting that the new Captain may reconsider keeping Morgan as a consultant, requiring her to prove herself once more.
In ‘High Potential’ Season 2, Episode 4, Morgan and Karadec’s Partnership Is Strengthened
The highlight of “Behind the Music” is undoubtedly the scenes between Morgan and Karadec as they grow closer while investigating the case. Karadec provides support for Morgan during her concerns about Selena while Morgan reciprocates by being there for Karadec when he feels unsettled after shooting Mac Epps. Although this subplot felt slightly disjointed at times, it was refreshing to see both characters display vulnerability with one another.
At the episode’s conclusion, Morgan and Karadec encounter each other at the station. She expresses gratitude for his concern earlier on while he acknowledges her insight regarding Selena needing someone to confide in. In a touching moment, Karadec states he won’t change, because he doesn’t need to when he has her to help him process his feelings. This interaction is genuinely sweet before Karadec notices on his computer that Morgan had used it to look up Arthur’s (Mekhi Phifer) website. The Roman subplot also seemed out of place this week since Morgan just called Arthur only to reach a full voicemail box. Despite some awkward subplots and an easily predictable killer reveal, this episode remains strong in its development of both Morgan and Karadec’s relationship as well as her dynamic with Selena.
New episodes of High Potential air Tuesdays on ABC at 10:00 P.M. EST.
