ABC’s freshman crime drama “High Potential” takes a turn for the classic in “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs.” This week, Morgan, the single mom turned detective, finds herself embroiled in a reopened murder case involving the prominent Donovan family. Forget the usual procedural rigamarole; this is a full-blown whodunit, complete with a roster of suspects, each with their own secrets and motivations.
The episode’s title alone suggests a certain luridness, and the Donovan family, with their undoubtedly complicated history, provides ample fodder for speculation. It’s a smart move for the series, which has, so far, mostly focused on Morgan’s unique crime-solving abilities and her uneasy partnership with a by-the-book detective.
By shifting to a more traditional mystery format, “High Potential” has a chance to expand its narrative horizons and offer a change of pace. Will Morgan’s unconventional methods crack the case, or will the Donovan family’s secrets prove too impenetrable? “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs” will, at least, offer a steaming hot mystery.
“High Potential” airs Tuesdays at 9:00 PM on ABC.