Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for High Potential season 1, episode 11.High Potential season 2’s central antagonist.

High Potential has been successful as The Good Doctor’s replacement due to Olson's standout performance, the show's unique visual storytelling, and its stylized approach to a modern procedural. The one thing that High Potential’s pilot season notably lacks is a villain. Episode after episode, there are characters to root for and temporary characters to root against. Nevertheless, as soon as the case is closed, the villainous episodic figure is gone from the series for good. Chief Pacheko’s appearance in High Potential episode 11 could be the perfect solution.

High Potential Episode 11 Introduces Selena's Boss As The Show's New Villain

The Chief Makes His First Appearance

Although the Chief has been mentioned in ing throughout the first season, High Potential episode 11 is Chief Pacheko's first appearance. Played by the legendary Keith David, Chief Pacheko is Selena’s boss who oversees the Los Angeles Police Department. Up until episode 11, High Potential gave the Major Crimes Division free rein for high-intensity investigations. Chief Pacheko is forced to intervene in episode 11 because Selena goes rogue and continues investigating a case that’s meant to be closed. While his logic is sound, the Chief’s authoritative presence clashes with High Potential’s tone, making him the ideal antagonist.

There are many reasons to watch High Potential, but the procedural needs more recurring characters to its expansion in season 2 and beyond. The Chief has been nothing but a name for the first 10 episodes, but now that he’s a visible character, all bets are off. Pacheko could put Morgan on a tight leash to keep a closer eye on what he calls the “cleaning lady experiment," raising tension and forcing the heroine to reconsider her work. Alternatively, he could simply become a more watchful eye and intervene in more Major Crimes investigations.

How Pacheko's Introduction Solves High Potential's Most Boring Aspect

Morgan Had No Real Obstacles At Work

Regardless of how severe his presence will be, the Chief is a welcome addition to High Potential’s ensemble. It’s lovely how quickly Morgan became a key member of the Major Crimes Division, but High Potential could use a little excitement in the office. With Chief Pacheko now available to keep the unit on their toes, their protocol will likely become a thorn in Morgan’s side once again. She and the rest of the team will have to tread lightly in High Potential now that they’re on the Chief’s radar.

Stream High Potential and its French predecessor HPI on Hulu.

The closest the procedural has come to someone opposing the titular genius in the past was Morgan and Tom’s (JD Pardo) short-lived romance in High Potential, which ended when he left for San Diego. Morgan was painted in a partially negative light when she couldn’t convey to Tom that her failure to communicate with him was unintentional. Even then, High Potential was quick to let Tom leave the door open for a potential reconnection down the line. Simply put, Morgan is too well-liked in High Potential. Having an obstacle like the Chief will challenge her character and help her grow.

Can Morgan Convince Pacheko To Let Her Stay With The LAPD?

He'll Have To Come Around To Her Unconventional Approach

While Chief Pacheko is just the wildcard High Potential needs as it winds down season 1, he can’t hold a vendetta against Morgan forever. Although she’s beloved by most of her coworkers, it’s not for no reason. Morgan is dedicated, hardworking, and unable to sleep until she’s cracked the case. High Potential may have had Morgan the LAPD late in life, but she’s found a place where she clearly belongs in the Major Crimes Division.

Aside from her affinity for solving crime, Morgan needs to keep her job with the LAPD to finally solve High Potential’s Roman mystery. Just like how Selena couldn’t let go of the case in "The Sauna at the End of the Stairs," Morgan has tirelessly searched for answers regarding the disappearance of her ex-husband. ing the LAPD allowed her to make long overdue headway, but the Chief could easily fire Morgan before she finds out the truth about Roman. High Potential should use Pacheko wisely, but it shouldn’t erase all of Morgan’s progress for the sake of a villainous twist.

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High Potential continues Tuesday at 9 ET on ABC.