David Giuntoli’s character in High Potential (known only by the alias “David”) is the first character to evade capture by Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson) and the rest of the LAPD. Consequently, David has been set up to be a repeat offender in High Potential season 2.

Out of High Potential season 1 finale, she’ll face the mysterious man again, and hopefully by then, she'll finally learn his true identity.

5 David Is Morgan’s Half-Brother

The Two Are Bonded By Blood

The most popular theory regarding David’s true identity is that he’s secretly related to the main character. The High Potential stems from Morgan’s reveal in episode 13 that her father was a HPI as well. Morgan’s father is cruel, and his superiority complex could have easily bred evil. Given how evenly matched Morgan and David seemed, relation is possible.

If High Potential season 2 reveals that Morgan’s father left and started a new family, David could potentially be a half-sibling she never met.

This theory, however, would require more details from Morgan’s past. If High Potential season 2 reveals that Morgan’s father left and started a new family, David could potentially be a half-sibling she never met. Plus, the sophistication of David’s clues already imply a sort of genius within the villain. However, it’s unlikely that Morgan would have repressed or entirely forgotten having a brother.

4 David Is Also Roman

High Potential's Two Biggest Mysteries Overlap

The most outlandish theory by far insinuates that Roman, after disappearing 15 years prior to the series, returned to Morgan’s life as David. After dramatically changing his appearance (and perhaps surgically altering his voice), Roman would have become evil. The unraveling mystery surrounding his disappearance didn’t give any indication that Roman would attempt to murder people, but High Potential may take a soapy turn.

If David hadn’t undergone procedures to alter his appearance, Morgan would have recognized him instantly.

While what happened to Roman in High Potential is very much still a developing story, there’s little to no chance that Morgan’s ex spontaneously became a serial kidnapper. If David hadn’t undergone procedures to alter his appearance, Morgan would have recognized him instantly. If he had, there would be obvious signs of extensive surgery. While entertaining to ponder, this theory holds no water.

3 David Has A Past With Karadec/The LAPD

The Kidnapper Has A Premeditated Vendetta

Slightly more plausible is a theory that David has a criminal past and some sort of history with the police. Whether he’s seeking revenge on a specific detective like Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) or attacking the institution itself, David could be a Joker-type character. Seeing as he nearly killed Lev “Oz” Ozdil (Deniz Akdeniz), it isn’t impossible to believe.

If High Potential decided to give David a backstory that involved him being previously apprehended and using his newfound freedom to go after his arresting officer, it wouldn’t necessarily be unrealistic. Yet, considering David’s penchant for playing games with investigators, it’s difficult to imagine that nobody would his stylized M.O. during High Potential episode 13. Still, this theory isn’t unreasonably farfetched.

2 David Is From Morgan’s Childhood

One Story Could Unravel Everything

While not expressly part of her family, this theory suggests that David is a forgotten figure from Morgan’s childhood. Based on the story she told Karadec in High Potential’s season finale, Morgan suddenly stopped playing with her schoolmates at the behest of her father, leading to her being ostracized. According to this theory, David was one of her former playmates, and he held a grudge.

Morgan’s backstory in High Potential is still vague, so it’s unclear how detrimental her refusing games of jacks at recess was to her social standing. High Potential has drawn parallels between Morgan and her son, Elliot (Matthew Lamb), suggesting that she was bullied— or at least misunderstood— by her classmates. David holding onto his resentment for decades would certainly be dramatic, but it’s not unfeasible.

1 David Is A Complete Stranger

High Potential Episode 13 Was Truly Their First Meeting

The simplest (and therefore most probable) explanation of David’s identity is that he was a typical criminal for High Potential episode 13 who, after dealing with Morgan, developed a fascination. It’s true that David singled Morgan out by the end of the season finale, but nothing indicates prior knowledge of her. Rather, his sudden interest seemed to be a result of the investigation itself.

Most likely, David had no plans of finding a rival, and seeing Morgan beat his puzzles simply inspired him. High Potential season 2 might give the villain a more complex character, but his true self seems clear at present: David was a run-of-the-mill serial killer who spiraled out of control after finding a worthy adversary. While it wouldn’t be the most exciting answer, High Potential more than makes up for the intrigue in other ways.

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