Television
Unraveling the Potential of Workplace Romances in High Potential
2024-11-20
I love TV romances as it's truly entertaining to witness characters fall in love across sequential episodes or seasons. Whether it's through the workplace or other settings, I can get fully invested. Take shows like The Office and Abbott Elementary, where workplace romances add an extra layer of charm. Just think about the cute love stories like Gregory and Janine or Pam and Jim. However, not all coworker romances are to my liking, especially in police procedurals. But that all changed when I discovered my newfound love for the potential workplace romance in High Potential.

Why High Potential Stands Out

High Potential is a hit new ABC series starring Kaitlin Olson and is a captivating and entertaining dramedy. The entire cast is incredibly talented and a joy to watch. It's this very talent that has made me so invested in a possible romance within the show.

The Seeds of a Romance

I have to admit that I don't watch a large number of procedural police or medical dramas. So, there's a chance that I might actually enjoy office-ships in these types of shows if I gave them a chance. But the few I have watched or am currently watching haven't convinced me. The main issue with many of them is that the workplace relationships often feel forced and lack the proper chemistry. However, in High Potential, it seems different. The ABC series may already be planning for a Karadec and Morgan romance. There are moments already that fans can look back on as vital seeds for their romantic development. If these characters do start dating, it feels like the writers were always aiming for this outcome with Season 1 breadcrumbs.

Chemistry on Screen

I'm so used to seeing Kaitlin Olson in a certain light on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia that I never thought she could play a traditional romantic lead so well. But on High Potential, we might be witnessing the start of a romance that shows Olson's potential in romantic comedies. She and Daniel Sunjata already have great chemistry that I hope the show doesn't waste. Their interactions make you believe that they could be a future couple. Right now, they're just co-workers, but the potential is there.

Future Romantic Issues

The first episode of High Potential ends on a cliffhanger. Morgan's ex, the father of her daughter Ava, has disappeared. Morgan doesn't believe he just left them and thinks something bad might have happened. As of the seventh episode, the mystery of his disappearance hasn't been fully explored. When the show returns in January, this mystery is likely to take center stage for the final six episodes of Season 1. It's expected to interfere with Morgan and Karadec's potential romantic relationship. Maybe Morgan will still have feelings for her ex and not be ready for Karadec. There are many possibilities that this introduction of Ava's father could create conflict. Additionally, Karadec takes his job seriously and might stop any romance to remain professional. Their different personalities could also cause problems.

A Unique Dynamic

If I had to categorize Morgan and Karadec, they sort of fall into the enemies-to-lovers category, but not quite. Despite some initial tension, they get along well and haven't been horrible to each other. Currently, they're more in the workplace romance or friends-to-lovers territory, but neither label quite fits. High Potential's ability to not limit itself in exploring their relationship is one of its strengths. It makes them a more interesting potential couple.

Invested for the Long Haul

I really like High Potential and while it's not my favorite yet, I'm committed to watching it every week. One of the reasons is the likable cast and my curiosity to see if Karadec and Morgan's chemistry turns into a full-blown romance. I'm willing to wait through several seasons to see that first kiss, the denial of feelings, and maybe even a wedding in Season 10. High Potential returns to ABC in January and is also available on Hulu.
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