High Potentialstar Kaitlin Olson recalls why she initially wanted to pass on the series. Stepping out of herIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiapersona, Olson plays a cleaner-turned-investigator named Morgan Gillory on the ABC show. Morgan spends the series solving a crime as she looks into evidence during her shift as a cleaner for the police department.High Potentialbegan airing on ABC in September and has continued airing weekly on Tuesdays, with its next episode coming on February 11. The show hasbeen a success and has recently been renewed for season 2.
Speaking onConan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Olson revealed what convinced her to take theHigh Potentialjobafter initially wanting to pass. When her agent brought up the series, Olson was hesitant becauseit was a network series and an hour-long drama. Still, her agent encouraged her to meet with theHigh Potentialteam, and ultimatelythe pilot’s strong script sold her on doing the show. Check out the full quote below:
I have to say, Drew Goddard wrote that script and I was not interested when they came to me and wanted to have lunch. I was like ‘ABC? Hour-long drama? No thank you!’ My agent was like, ‘no, you’re going to go have lunch with them.’ And I was like ‘what did you just say to me?’ He was like ‘it’s good, you’re gonna read it, and you’re gonna have lunch, and I’m going to make you because I think you’re gonna really want to do it.’ I just had no interest in, well first of all working for a network. I’m very spoiled on FX. They let us do whatever we want. And say whatever we want. And I have a hard time with executives who aren’t creatives telling me what I can and can’t do. Because I, again, it’s all fine, and it works, and a lot of people are fine with that. I’m just so blessed to be in a position where I want to show up and have fun with my life, that’s at home and at work. I don’t want to do something that is… I just want everything to be great, or just I’ll wait until something comes along that I can make special. So I was very gun shy, and then I read his script and was like ‘oh, I think I’m in.’ And then I have to point out that Alethea Jones directed that episode and she was absolutely incredible.
What This Meant For High Potential
High Potential Got Great Reviews
Olson’s initial reaction to the project makes sense given her television background. She has been onIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiasince 2005, which is a long time to get accustomed to a certain genre and production flow.Drama was a bit of an unknown entity to the star, so taking onHigh Potentialwould mark a paradigm shift as audiences—and Olson herself—would have to get used to seeing her in a different light.
High Potential New Villain Addresses Its Recurring Storytelling Issue Before It’s Too Late
High Potential episode 11 finally put a face to Chief Pacheko’s name, but his presence could bring some exciting opposition to Morgan’s wild ways.
Ultimately, taking onHigh Potentialwas an important moment for both her and the series.High Potentialhas received great reviews since its release, scoring a nearly universally positive 96% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences likedHigh Potentialalmost as much, with an 81% approval.Critics have praisedOlson’s performance, recognizing the persistence of her wit despite it being a drama show.High Potentialwill allow the star to continue to explore a new area of her career as the show finishes season 1 and continues into season 2.
Our Take On Kaitlin Olson Joining High Potential
Olson Is Great In The Role
WithHigh Potentialin full swing, it is hard to imagine anyone but Olson in the role. As a protagonist with unconventional investigation methods, Morgan has idiosyncrasies that are best portrayed by a comedic actor turning to drama. Even in a more serious role, Olson has to maintain a level of levity and humor given the character’s nature. She does so with impeccable grace, elevatingHigh Potentialand making it the creative and engaging show it is today.
