Morgan Gillory is the protagonist of ABC’s crime drama High Potential, portrayed by Kaitlin Olson. She is a single mother of three with High Intellectual Potential (HIP), a condition that gives her an extraordinary IQ. Despite working as a janitor at the Los Angeles Police Department, her sharp mind allows her to solve complex cases, leading to her being hired as a consultant for the department. Morgan’s character is a unique blend of brilliance and humor, balancing her crime-solving abilities with the challenges of raising her children alone.

Trivia/Facts

• Morgan Gillory is a single mother with three children, portrayed by Kaitlin Olson in ABC’s crime drama series High Potential. She has High Intellectual Potential (HIP), which gives her an exceptional IQ. Morgan works as a janitor at a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) station. Her intelligence leads her to solve a murder case, which convinces the police to hire her as a consultant.
• Morgan is partnered with Detective Karadec, and together they investigate various cases. Her unique intellect allows her to notice clues that others might overlook. Despite her genius, Morgan’s life is full of everyday challenges, especially as a single mom. Her character is inspired by Morgane Alvaro from the French series HPI.

Kaitlin Olson in High Potential (2024)

• The character of Morgan is based on the experiences of the son of Nicolas Jean, the creator of HPI, who also has HIP. However, unlike Morgan, his son doesn’t solve police cases. The character was originally written as a teenager but was later changed to a relatable single mother. This decision was influenced by the executives at TF1, who believed a mother would be more identifiable for viewers.
• Morgan’s character draws inspiration from Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Erin Brockovich, a single mother dealing with her own challenges. This resemblance adds depth to Morgan, making her a strong yet relatable figure. Her outward, talkative personality is shaped by the experiences of HPI co-creator Alice Chegaray-Breugnot, whose own father had HPI. Together, these influences create a character that’s both brilliant and grounded in real-life struggles.

Morgan Gillory’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Detective Karadec: Morgan forms a professional partnership with Detective Karadec after solving her first case at the LAPD. While Karadec is initially skeptical of her unconventional methods, he grows to respect her unique intelligence. Their dynamic is a mix of mutual admiration and occasional frustration, as Morgan often pushes boundaries with her unorthodox approaches. Over time, they develop a close working relationship, with Karadec relying on her insights to crack difficult cases.
• Her Children: As a single mother, Morgan’s relationship with her three children is central to her life. She deeply cares for them and often juggles her demanding work with their needs. Despite her high intellect, she struggles with the everyday challenges of motherhood, creating moments of humor and tenderness. Her children ground her, providing a sense of purpose beyond her crime-solving career.

Kaitlin Olson in High Potential (2024)

• LAPD Colleagues: Morgan’s colleagues at the LAPD initially find her quirky and unconventional methods hard to accept. However, her undeniable ability to solve complex cases gradually earns their respect. Some officers are more open to her insights, while others remain wary of her involvement as a consultant. Despite the mixed reactions, Morgan remains confident and continues to prove her worth to the team.
• The Criminals She Encounters: Morgan’s interactions with the criminals she investigates are often marked by her sharp wit and intelligence. She has a unique ability to get inside their minds and understand their motives. This skill helps her confront them in unexpected ways, often using her psychological insight to outsmart them. Her interactions with these characters highlight her determination and her ability to connect the dots that others miss.

Kaitlin Olson in High Potential (2024)