I’m Loving The High Potential Season 2 Game Maker Storyline, But I Wish They Changed One Thing

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Every hero needs a compelling and mysterious enemy-someone who challenges them to reach their full potential. It’s even more captivating when the villain mirrors the hero in some way. While we frequently encounter memorable villains on television, there’s always room for another great one. The Game Maker in High Potential has the potential to become a truly iconic villain, exhibiting many of the qualities that make antagonists so delightfully wicked to watch.

He first appeared in Season 1, but the Game Maker really becomes prominent in the initial two episodes of Season 2. I generally enjoy how the ABC hit series utilizes this character, particularly in the season premiere, though there’s always room for further development. It’s a strong character arc, but could be even better. I think the writers have a lot of potential here.

Please be aware: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episodes 1 (“Pawns”) and 2 (“Checkmate”) of High Potential. Read at your own risk.

The Game Maker Storyline Gives High Potential Stakes I Wasn’t Expecting

When High Potential introduces the Game Maker, we immediately start imagining all sorts of possibilities. We’re eager to learn everything we can about this villain, as he has the potential to dramatically alter the story. He’s responsible for numerous crimes, including threatening the safety of Morgan (Kaitlin Olson)’s children. He even kidnaps Oz (Deniz Akdeniz) and nearly causes his death. The Game Maker is a truly heartless and dangerous criminal.

The show takes a surprisingly dark turn, feeling similar to gripping psychological thrillers. This character is rapidly becoming as compelling as legendary villains like Hannibal Lecter, The Riddler, and other brilliant criminals. He’s becoming the kind of unpredictable and dangerous figure who might be able to outwit the main character. It’s a really unsettling development.

It’s understandable that you’re afraid of the Game Maker. You also anticipate he’ll do something truly awful, something that will permanently impact the show. He’s the first major villain with a complex plan, so expectations are high. He represents the show’s first big criminal mastermind, and therefore, there are a lot of expectations.

That’s Why I Wish Morgan And Matthew’s Confrontations Had More Bite

However, after High Potential Season 2 Episode 2, “Checkmate,” he comes across as little more than a typical, one-off villain. The kind Scooby, Shaggy, and the Mystery Inc. crew could easily handle before the next ad break. This isn’t due to any shortcoming of David Giuntoli’s performance. He portrays Matthew, who is also known as the Game Maker, quite skillfully.

He strikes the right balance of unsettling, dangerous, and strange. However, the way this character is written softens some of the menacing qualities that should genuinely frighten Morgan and others. Maybe it’s because he flirts with murder without ever actually going through with it. While kidnapping, planting bombs, and his other offenses are severe, they don’t quite match the level of danger he’s presented as having. What this story really needed was for him to commit murder.

Generally, High Potential is a relatively easy-going show, even though it focuses on police work. This might explain why the Game Maker committed serious crimes, but stopped short of murder, although things often nearly escalated to that point.

Morgan and Matthew have a connection that feels fated – like they’re meant to find each other across all time and realities, in every possible life and world. They’re essentially soulmates who are on opposing sides. Because of this, I really wanted to capture that intense, magnetic energy when they finally meet, particularly towards the conclusion of “Checkmate.” Once that confrontation happens, it almost feels like the story loses some of its momentum.

I Also Thought His Characterization Wasn’t As Compelling As I Had Hoped

We learn about Matthew gradually, with a lot of mystery surrounding him. This initial impression is actually more impactful than the character himself, as he’s far more intimidating, complex, and interesting as a concept than as a fully realized person. I originally imagined Matthew as someone completely without feelings. He’s driven by strategy and views Morgan as an opponent on his level. His fascination with her stems from discovering someone who can match his intellectual prowess and participate in his complex games.

I anticipated Matthew would be a truly formidable, boss-level villain, and I’d imagined him as someone I’d passionately dislike. However, when “Checkmate” presented the final showdown between Morgan and Matthew, the character didn’t quite live up to my expectations and felt a bit underwhelming. This might be due to my own high hopes, as I was really expecting him to exude a truly sinister energy. Perhaps I built him up too much in my head, making it difficult for the show to meet my personal expectations.

I think Giuntoli really nails the role. He gives such a captivating performance that, honestly, you find yourself almost rooting for the villain – or at least enjoying watching him be bad. It’s not that his acting is *bad*, it’s just… I had a bit of a problem with how emotional Matthew came across. I was expecting a more calculating, meticulous menace, and he just didn’t quite land there for me. It’s a nuance, but it bothered me.

He’s yet another villain driven by a sad past. However, his reasons for acting the way he does don’t really hold up. His mother being wrongly put in prison is what turned him into this destructive figure. He has a strong dislike for the wealthy and law enforcement, but his targets are surprisingly random. He attempts to manipulate someone into killing a rich man, but ultimately, that person would be the one who ends up hurt. Then he sets his sights on Morgan, who collaborates with the police, though she isn’t a police officer herself.

Even though his mother’s death is tragic, it doesn’t fully explain why he turns into such a villain. Once you find out his past, he actually seems more silly than frightening or clever. It might have been more engaging if we didn’t know anything about Matthew’s history, simply that he enjoyed games. We learn so much about him that it ultimately weakens his story. It’s a case of over-explanation.

However, I Enjoyed How She Outsmarts Him In The End

The cliffhanger ending of Season 1’s High Potential effectively launched the second season, promising a lot of complex detective work from Morgan. Her biggest challenge comes from The Game Maker, and viewers will be eager to see her utilize her strongest abilities to overcome him. The show delivers on this expectation, as Morgan consistently outsmarts Matthew in the closing moments, making him appear foolish.

She expertly solves all of his puzzles and deciphered codes, uncovers his complete history, rescues numerous individuals, and allows Oz to take him into custody. Morgan experiences her most impactful heroic moment to date. It’s incredibly rewarding when Matthew attempts to conclude the game according to his own rules – by taking his own life – only for Morgan to anticipate his suicide plan.

This was a truly exciting moment – the kind that made me root for Morgan to defeat the Game Maker, and it absolutely delivered! My only wish is that the path to get here had felt as thrilling as the final result.

I Also Hope That The End Of “Checkmate” Opens The Door For The Game Maker To Return In Future Episodes

Honestly, what’s been bumming me out about the Game Maker storyline isn’t the character himself – I actually really like the idea! I genuinely think he could still be a great addition to the show, it just feels like a few things need to be smoothed out. I was so relieved the show didn’t kill him off! While I don’t anticipate him becoming a full-time series regular, I’d be thrilled if David Giuntoli made more guest appearances down the line. I’d love to see that!

He has the potential to contribute to other investigations. Perhaps Morgan should consult with him in prison from time to time, utilizing his understanding of criminal behavior. It’s possible the next season could feature a dramatic escape, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. I believe there are numerous avenues to explore with this character. I’m hoping to see him reappear in future High Potential episodes.

Stream High Potential on Hulu.

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2025-10-01 00:11