High Potencial
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Karadec's world on High Potential appears steadier now that his ex-fiancée has re-entered his life, at least on the surface. But as the ABC drama prepares to return on Tuesday, March 3, a bigger question looms: can he truly make things work with Lucia this time or are unresolved feelings for Morgan about to complicate everything?

According to showrunner Todd Harthan, the answer is far from simple.

Speaking to TVLine, Harthan makes it clear that the responsibility for making this relationship succeed rests squarely with Karadec. 'She's not the one that had to evolve and change, he is,' Harthan explains. 'The reason that relationship ended the first time around was because he always put her second'.

That admission alone reframes the couple's history. Lucia's return is not merely a romantic subplot; it is a test of whether Karadec has genuinely grown.

A Second Chance, But Not A Simple One

On paper, the timing seems right. Harthan notes that Karadec has matured into 'the man that she always wanted him to be', and Lucia is '100% committed to him'. Yet the showrunner is quick to highlight the emotional complication standing quietly in the background.

'What's interesting about [Karadec and Lucia's] dynamic is now he's become the man that she always wanted him to be, and she is 100% committed to him... but he does have this other very important person in his life who happens to be a beautiful woman'.

That 'other very important person' is, of course, Morgan.

While Harthan insists that Karadec is not necessarily apprehensive, he suggests that the situation will not unfold smoothly. 'I don't think Karadec is apprehensive, but he's one to take things slow, and I think she's all in for sure. I don't know if you can feel it in the air in that episode, but it's not going to be the smoothest path to what she wants.'

In other words, even if Karadec wants to commit to Lucia fully, emotional reality may prove more complicated than intention.

The Morgan Factor

Morgan and Karadec's connection has been building steadily throughout the season, culminating in a powerful moment during the 3 February episode of High Potential.

During a tense case, Morgan experienced a debilitating panic attack. It was Karadec's embrace that ultimately grounded her, a scene that many fans interpreted as deeply romantic, even if unspoken.

Reflecting on that moment, Harthan previously told TVLine: 'To put it in the simplest terms, and this is something l've referred to before, there's this unconditional friendship that has really bloomed between them'.

He continued: 'Sure, it's laced with soap and all the wonderful things that you want in a in a TV show like this, but for me, that moment was another example of two people that will really do anything to protect the other, almost to the point of him putting her before himself, and she would probably do the same for him'.

What Else Is Coming In Season 2?

Romantic tension aside, Harthan promises significant developments as the second season resumes.

Fans can expect a 'big Daphne episode soon, like a big one', offering long-awaited insight into her life beyond the precinct. Captain Wagner will also 're-enters the world in a pretty major way', bringing 'some big twists and turns' for the team.

In addition, Harthan teases 'some pretty big Roman developments coming down the way, in addition to what I think are a couple of really fun, splashy, amazing guest stars,' alongside 'some of our best cases, our most visceral cases'.

Still, the emotional heart of the series appears to remain with Morgan and Karadec.

'There are some really wonderful emotional things coming between all the various characters, but of course Morgan and Karadec,' Harthan says. 'I think where we're going in our last round of episodes, how they evolve, and the things they re faced with and are challenged by, are on a level that we have not explored before'.

For viewers invested in the romance, the upcoming episodes may redefine everything.

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