As High Potential fans know, the long-range plotline for the ABC series is Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) seeking answers to the long-ago vanishing of her former boyfriend, Roman. That’s led to various turns indicating Roman was part of some criminal investigation.
In the March 17 episode, Soto (Judy Reyes) went to track down a lead by flying out to New York City despite the concerns of Captain Nick Wagner (Steve Howey). There, she met up with Willa Quinn, played by Oscar and Emmy nominee Jennifer Jason Leigh. A powerful “fixer,” Quinn engaged in a strange battle of wits with Soto, seemingly enjoying this game, which included offering Soto a job.
Stymied by these games, Soto flew back to Los Angeles only to be shocked to see Willa walking down the street, throwing her a smile and hinting this is only the beginning of her cat-and-mouse game.
Speaking to TV Insider, showrunner Todd Harthan confirmed that Willa’s presence in L.A. is only going to spark things up further.
“Soto clearly gets Willa’s attention, drawing her back to Los Angeles and leaving us wondering what her next move will be. Our characters at the LAPD may suspect Willa is here because of the Roman investigation, but to what end? More will continue to be unraveled in the next several episodes, as Willa’s mysterious intentions become clearer, along with the person fixed in her crosshairs.”
Willa’s arrival in L.A. (and the fact she beat Soto back there) is a jarring turn and makes fans wonder what game this woman has in store.
It seems the showrunners have a plan for Willa, as proven by having her played by veteran actress Leigh. Harthan clarified that Willa “will stick around for as long as it takes to get the job done. I’ll leave it at that.”
Just what Willa is up to is a mystery that will challenge Morgan and the rest of the team. It actually appears that Soto will be Willa’s main opponent at first, as everyone knows Soto doesn’t back down from a fight, no matter who it is. That means whatever tricks Willa may have up her sleeve, Soto is prepared to deal with them.
Of course, for someone as well connected as Willa, it’s not just her Soto has to deal with but people who can put pressure on her or, worse, her team.
"Soto knows that Willa’s connections run deep, and perhaps the only thing she might be most worried about are the repercussions their investigation might instigate for those she cares about.”
It will be fun to watch Willa and Morgan match wits, as Morgan is a rough-and-tumble gal taking on a brilliant manipulator. So fans can expect Leigh to stick around for a bit and finally give Morgan a worthy opponent to spark up High Potential. We'll see how long she sticks around for and just what her connection to Roman might be as season 2 continues to unfold in the weeks leading up to its fast-approaching season finale.
High Potential, Season 2 airs Tuesdays at 9/8 on ABC