For the entire High Potential hiatus, we’ve had theories and questions about the Game Master. And just like that, High Potential season 2 has wrapped the case in two episodes.
Caution: This post contains SPOILERS for High Potential season 2, episode 2
It’s hard to believe that the Game Master mystery has just ended almost immediately. There was so much hype around the arc, and it could have been a detailed one that took half a season to resolve. In fact, it should have taken half a season to resolve.
The Game Master played himself in High Potential season 2, episode 2
Turning himself in was supposed to be his big ploy to give himself an alibi, and instead, he played himself. What’s funny is that the cops had no idea who he really was. It was only Morgan who had seen his face, and that would have made it harder to catch him. On top of that, he was constantly good at leaving no trace of himself behind.
He just couldn’t help but get in the minds of Morgan and the LAPD. He needed them to think that he was the smartest person in the room, and for a while it seemed like he was. However, he ended up playing himself by getting Morgan to play his little game.
Now, this could have worked as an ending after a few episodes. We could have seen the Major Crimes unit fail at saving Mia, pushing them to work harder to prove that Matthew was connected to it all. Alternatively, we could have had them save Mia, but still not had the information needed to arrest the Game Master. This would have allowed him to continue playing the game, until eventually, he did outplay himself.
Is there a way to redeem the Game Master arc?
High Potential season 2 needs to redeem this disappointing end to the Game Master storyline. It was over too fast, and I think getting to arrest him is a sign that he could come up again in the future.
After all, Matthew wanted to die rather than be locked in a case, and that hints that he’s going to go a little crazy. He needs to find a way to play a game, and he’ll need to do that with the inmates, which could lead to him getting information needed to help the LAPD with a future case. Of course, he then gets to manipulate them more, and potentially get something that he needs, like a bit of freedom.
The Rookie has managed to show how smart people can manipulate the system from behind bars. The show has done it with Rosalind and then Monica, and it opens the door for High Potential to do the same. Just because the villain is behind bars doesn’t stop him from being a threat. Even Criminal Minds: Evolution has shown how it’s easy to manipulate and get others to do your bidding from the outside.
Considering how good High Potential has been with building up the Roman mystery, I really hope the Game Master one isn’t completely over. Right now, it’s anticlimactic after the huge buildup all spring and summer. We need to see him manipulate more from behind bars.
High Potential airs on Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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