One of ABC's newest shows this season, High Potential, is off to a very promising start. High Potential follows Kaitlin Olson's Morgan Guillory, a former cleaning lady, who s the Major Crimes Unit of the LAPD as a consultant. Morgan, a single mom of three kids, is considered a High Intellectual Potential (HIP) with an IQ of 160, which makes her the ideal helper to solve crimes.

Morgan's partner in crime, Detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), balances Morgan's "act first, think later" nature with his "by the book" attitude and unshakable moral code. While Karadec and Morgan's professional relationship continues to develop, their dynamic leaves room for sparks to fly further down the line. However, Tom (JD Pardo), a janitor for the LAPD who has undeniable chemistry with Morgan, was recently introduced. Tom connects with Morgan because of their shared grit, similar occupations, and flirty nature.

How Karadec & Tom Are Different From Each Other in High Potential

Karadec Is Awkward While Tom Is Outgoing, But Both Care About Morgan & Others

Tom in High Potential episode 6

At face value, Karadec and Tom have very little in common, the only trait they share being their need to help people. Karadec has the makings of a solid detective: He is observant, clever, and sticks to his guns. His rigid moral code and need for things to be done the right way causes him to clash often with Morgan. However, while these traits make Karadec one of the lead detectives at the LAPD, his romantic life could use some help. The majority of Karadec's personal life remains a mystery, but one episode shows his shortcomings in the dating world.

On a dinner date, Karadec appears checked out and bored until Morgan and her kids crash the date, and then he comes to life, demonstrating the influence Morgan has when it comes to bringing her partner out of his shell. Meanwhile, Tom is the precinct's new daytime janitor who goes to nursing school at night. Tom is confident and, unlike Karadec, very charismatic. Tom busts Morgan for leaving chip dustings on the glass doors and by the end of the episode, Morgan writes her phone number with her cheesy fingerprints for Tom to find.

This whole interaction with Morgan shows that Tom is the kind of guy who will go after whatever he wants.

Additionally, during the mid-season finale, when Lieutenant Melon (Garret Dillahunt) is in a struggle over a gun against one of the bad guys, Tom jumps into action to help without a second thought. This instinct is very telling of Tom's deep desire to help others. His lack of fear at this moment shows that he will protect Morgan and her kids, no matter what.

Karadec Is Better For Morgan Because Of How He Fits Into Her Life

Karadec Has An Easy Dynamic With Morgan & Gets Along With Her Kids

Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory and Daniel Sunjata as Adam Karadec in High Potential (2)

Over the course of the first season, Karadec's opinion of Morgan evolves quickly from general dislike to fully accepting her as his work partner. One special aspect of their relationship is the way they are already comfortable fighting with one another. When Morgan argues with her ex-husband Ludo (Taran Killam), he is more worried about making a scene and giving Morgan what she wants than standing his ground. However, Karadec and Morgan will yell and argue with each other about what they believe in with little worry about how it could impact their relationship.

Another way Karadec naturally fits into Morgan's family is through her kids. In the pilot episode, Karadec embraces getting thrown into Morgan's hectic and messy morning routine. Even Morgan's youngest, baby Chloe, trusts Karadec enough to allow him to feed her only moments after meeting. Karadec ends up driving some of Morgan's kids to school and, in later episodes, allows them to eat his fries while he's on a dinner date. Karadec's quick assimilation into Morgan’s life, without question, paves the way for a smooth transition from co-workers to romantic partners.

What Morgan's New Love Triangle Means For High Potential's Future

The Love Triangle Means More Personal Drama Being Introduced Into High Potential's Story

A composite image of Morgan looking thoughtful in a pink coat in front of Morgan peaking through blinds in High Potential
Custom Image by Dalton Norman

Morgan's love triangle between Karadec and Tom means one thing for certain: things will get complicated. It is made extra difficult by all three of them working in the same precinct. Whether Morgan chooses Karadec or Tom, the left-out party will have a front-row seat to Morgan's relationship, whether they want to or not. This love triangle also allows Morgan's kids to play a role in influencing Morgan's relationships. Morgan's kids already have a relationship with and trust Karadec, while Tom has only met one during the hostage situation.

Morgan's kids could further complicate the typical love triangle dynamic by withholding their stamp of approval. However, Morgan and Karadec have an already established will they/won't they relationship. One of the reasons Morgan and Karadec work so well as partners is because they have each other's backs and trust one another. However, this love triangle has the potential to negatively impact Morgan and Karadec's working relationship down the road in High Potential.