‘High Potential’ Season 2 Episode 14 review: “If You Come For the Queen”

No one messes with our Dottie! “If You Come For the Queen” brings back one of High Potential’s best supporting characters in their own case. And just as importantly, Daphne is front and center, leading the investigation. After nearly two seasons of ABC’s High Potential, it’s shocking that it’s taken this long for her to get any major character development. “If You Come For the Queen” is Daphne’s long-deserved moment in the sun. It’s a case that is both fun and intriguing from start to finish.

Dottie’s attempted murder is new-ish ground for High Potential’s investigation. Specifically, we haven’t experienced many instances where the would-be victim nearly died and lived to tell the tale. The Season 1 finale comes to mind with the Game Maker’s victims, including a surviving Oz. In both cases, someone close to the LAPD survives to aid the investigation and help stop the criminal. This time, we get Dottie and her lovable no-nonsense approach along for the ride.

The strongest aspect of “If You Come For the Queen” is the connection between Dottie and Daphne. In one instance, we get a treasure trove of facts about Daphne, like that Dottie is her mentor, they had a falling out about her training, and that Daphne aspires to be a Lieutenant. Plus, this case is Daphne’s opportunity to lead an investigation herself, which hasn’t happened yet, even pre-series. It’s a lot of firsts and a huge step in the right direction for Daphne’s character.

Mentor and mentee.

Daphne and Dottie have great chemistry together, coming across as a concerned older sister/independent little sister. There’s a lot of love and care between them; you can feel it right from Dottie’s hospital stay. And Daphne has the strength and skills to get the job done. High Potential focuses mostly on Morgan and Karadec’s narratives, using their abilities to solve cases, but this proves Daphne is just as able. Hopefully, we get more of Daphne’s and Dotti’s contributions in future episodes; they shine throughout this case.

“If You Come For the Queen” feels like a blend of Strangers on a Train and Double Indemnity. You can’t quite solve the whole picture alone because it’s broken into two paths. Having two murderers is a clever twist that forces us to connect the two cases and wonder why someone wants Dottie dead.

Unfortunately, a similar Murder, She Wrote mechanism hinges here for Morgan and team to fill in the gaps (e.g., a sorority sister from Dottie’s past). However, the exposition is less egregious this time around. Without any obvious reasons for the attempted murder, Dottie’s help is essential for learning more. Plus, she gets involved in the case, making it easier to piece together the clues. At least with the physical trainer’s murder, High Potential weaves the clues from start to finish. We have a clear suspect and reason for their death – we just don’t have who committed the murder.

A scheme in the mix.

While the reveal isn’t the most satisfying, the killer’s capture makes up for it plenty. A gun standoff between the killer and Daphne/LAPD heightens the tension through an emotional finish. Sure, we expect everything to work out well and for Daphne to close her first lead case. But it’s still a touching moment for Daphne to talk the killer down and avoid any bloodshed—a great end for a strong case.

Speaking of Daphne, “If You Come For the Queen” establishes a new mentorship storyline, balancing the one she already has with Dottie. We’ve rarely had any scenes between Ava and Daphne before; both have been kept to their respective areas in Morgan’s life. However, bringing them together is a great start for helping them grow in the right direction.

For instance, Ava needs a confidant who can offer her advice without pushing her. Morgan is a great mother who cares, but at the end of the day, she’s still Ava’s mom. Any troubles in the art program would be addressed by someone stepping in as Ava’s mom.

High Potential Season 2 Episode 14 continues to drag out the mystery.

Instead, Daphne listens like a big sister and offers advice to help her through. That’s exactly what Ava needs now: a friend who listens and doesn’t judge. Their new dynamic could open up a lot more possibilities, especially as the Roman storyline expands.

How deep and complex is this kidnapping mystery?! Roman’s disappearance is becoming a multi-layer case of schemes and powerful figures. We now have the man who kidnapped him (Eric Hayworth), but there seems to be a person he works for who ordered him.

Who is Willa Quinn? Why did she want Roman kidnapped? We’re getting closer to the answer, but High Potential is adding more and more to drag this out. Hopefully, this doesn’t end up like a Revenge or LOST instance. Even though we’re loving the mystery, there needs to be an end at some point. Morgan and team can’t keep spinning their wheels forever in search of Roman. Eventually, they’ll need to move on to another big mystery.

Overall.

“If You Come For the Queen” is an enjoyable case that brings back a welcome familiar face. Daphne’s time in the lead spot steers the ship through smooth sailings. Dottie’s return brings plenty of happy energy and emotional depth for the cast. While the big murderer reveal isn’t the easiest to solve, it still makes the case a fun journey from start to finish.

High Potential airs new episodes on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

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Images courtesy of ABC.