Thursday, September 25, 2025

Keeps the Pressure On: High Potential "Checkmate"


The latest episode of High Potential keeps the tension high as Karadec and Morgan find themselves in a dangerous chess match with the Game Maker. Here's my recap and review.



The Case: Tricks, Clues, and a Capture

The investigation takes a sharp turn when Karadec pursues Jason, the victim’s husband. Manipulated by the Game Maker into believing Derek kidnapped and murdered his wife, Jason slips through Karadec’s grasp.

Meanwhile, Matthew Clarke,the Game Maker himself, continues to toy with both Karadec and Morgan. Though suspicious, the team has no hard evidence, and he’s briefly released.

Morgan, however, takes matters into her own hands. After learning more about Matthew, she decides to play his game and accepts a clue that leads her closer to Maya, the missing victim. Back at his apartment, Morgan pieces it together: the blood evidence wasn’t what it seemed. Matthew had stolen Maya’s blood from a hospital donation to frame the case.

When Matthew tries to outmaneuver them once again, Morgan and the team are one step ahead, saving his life during an apparent suicide attempt and finally taking him into custody.


Side Stories: Family and Foreshadowing

Elsewhere, Osman and Forrester chase down a lead on Roman. Though they don’t find him, they cross paths with Arthur Ellis, a man connected to Roman who seems concerned about the safety of Morgan and Ava—a thread that promises more complications down the line.

On a lighter note, Elliot’s talent show subplot brings heart to the episode. Nervous at first, he stuns his classmates and family with a beatboxing and rap performance that reveals a new side of his character.


The Verdict

“Checkmate” delivered another sharp and suspenseful hour, balancing high-stakes investigation with character-driven moments. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Morgan and Matthew was especially engaging, showcasing Morgan’s intelligence and intuition while giving Matthew a chance to shine as the sly antagonist.

Giuntoli and Olson continue to ground the series with strong performances, and Matthew Lamb's Elliot’s talent show added the perfect amount of warmth amid the thrills. With Arthur now tied to Roman, the stakes are rising, and the threads are coming together for what promises to be an exciting continuation.

Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.A taut, clever episode with thrills, heart, and strong character beats.

What did you think of High Potential this week? Did you enjoy Morgan’s mental chess game with the Game Maker? Share your thoughts below!

You can catch High Potential Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.


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