Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for High Potential season 1, episode 11.High Potentialepisode 11 brought closure to an old case, but it introduced an all-new face that gives the ABC procedural a necessary villain just in time. Episode 11 was Selena Soto’s (Judy Reyes) last-ditch effort to solve a case that haunted her. With the help of Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson) and Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), the Major Crimes team finally discovers the true killer— but not before attracting the attention and ire of Chief Pacheko (Keith David). Pacheko’s entrance comes at the perfect time to set the chief up asHigh Potentialseason 2’s central antagonist.
High Potentialhas been successful asThe Good Doctor’s replacementdue to Olson’s standout performance, the show’s unique visual storytelling, and its stylized approach to a modern procedural. The one thing thatHigh Potential’s pilot season notably lacks is a villain. Episode after episode, there are characters to root for and temporary characters to root against. Nevertheless, as soon as the case is closed, the villainous episodic figure is gone from the series for good. Chief Pacheko’s appearance inHigh Potential episode11 could be the perfect solution.
High Potential Episode 11 Introduces Selena’s Boss As The Show’s New Villain
The Chief Makes His First Appearance
Although the Chief has been mentioned in passing throughout the first season,High Potentialepisode 11 is Chief Pacheko’s first appearance.Played by the legendary Keith David, Chief Pacheko is Selena’s boss who oversees the Los Angeles Police Department. Up until episode 11,High Potentialgave the Major Crimes Division free rein for high-intensity investigations. Chief Pacheko is forced to intervene in episode 11 because Selena goes rogue and continues investigating a case that’s meant to be closed. While his logic is sound, the Chief’s authoritative presence clashes withHigh Potential’s tone, making him the ideal antagonist.
Keith David
Chief Pacheko
There are manyreasons to watchHigh Potential, but the procedural needs more recurring characters to support its expansion in season 2 and beyond. The Chief has been nothing but a name for the first 10 episodes, but now that he’s a visible character, all bets are off.Pacheko could put Morgan on a tight leash to keep a closer eye on what he calls the“cleaning lady experiment,“raising tension and forcing the heroine to reconsider her work. Alternatively, he could simply become a more watchful eye and intervene in more Major Crimes investigations.
How Pacheko’s Introduction Solves High Potential’s Most Boring Aspect
Regardless of how severe his presence will be, the Chief is a welcome addition toHigh Potential’s ensemble. It’s lovely how quickly Morgan became a key member of the Major Crimes Division, butHigh Potentialcould use a little excitement in the office. With Chief Pacheko now available to keep the unit on their toes, their protocol will likely become a thorn in Morgan’s side once again. She and the rest of the team will have to tread lightly inHigh Potentialnow that they’re on the Chief’s radar.
StreamHigh Potentialand its French predecessorHPIon Hulu.
The closest the procedural has come to someone opposing the titular genius in the past wasMorgan and Tom’s (JD Pardo) short-lived romance inHigh Potential, which ended when he left for San Diego. Morgan was painted in a partially negative light when she couldn’t convey to Tom that her failure to communicate with him was unintentional. Even then,High Potentialwas quick to let Tom leave the door open for a potential reconnection down the line. Simply put,Morgan is too well-liked inHigh Potential.Having an obstacle like the Chief will challenge her character and help her grow.
Can Morgan Convince Pacheko To Let Her Stay With The LAPD?
He’ll Have To Come Around To Her Unconventional Approach
WhileChief Pacheko is just the wildcardHigh Potentialneeds as it winds down season 1, he can’t hold a vendetta against Morgan forever. Although she’s beloved by most of her coworkers, it’s not for no reason. Morgan is dedicated, hardworking, and unable to sleep until she’s cracked the case.High Potentialmay have had Morgan join the LAPD late in life, but she’s found a place where she clearly belongs in the Major Crimes Division.
High Potential Episode 11 Subtly Reveals The Real Threat To Morgan’s Future In The LAPD
High Potential episode 11 was a real Whodunnit, but a newly introduced character could threaten Morgan’s consultant position with the LAPD.
Aside from her affinity for solving crime,Morgan needs to keep her job with the LAPDto finally solveHigh Potential’s Roman mystery. Just like how Selena couldn’t let go of the case in “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs,” Morgan has tirelessly searched for answers regarding the disappearance of her ex-husband. Joining the LAPD allowed her to make long overdue headway, but the Chief could easily fire Morgan before she finds out the truth about Roman.High Potentialshould use Pacheko wisely, but it shouldn’t erase all of Morgan’s progress for the sake of a villainous twist.
