Judy Reyes discusses memory challenges on ABC’s High Potential

Judy Reyes, at 56, faces increasing challenges with memorizing lines for her role as Selena, a police lieutenant, in the new ABC detective show, High Potential, which premieres on September 19. Reyes noted that her ability to memorize dialogue has diminished since her earlier acting days in the '90s, requiring her to adapt her preparation methods. She now allocates more time to learn her lines, starting the night before filming instead of the morning of, as she used to do on Scrubs. High Potential marks Reyes' first show filmed in Los Angeles since 2009, with previous projects taking her to locations like New Orleans. The production's compact nature, featuring fewer episodes and a more intimate crew, allows for a focused storytelling approach. In the series, Selena hires Morgan, played by Kaitlin Olson, as a consultant to leverage her unique crime-solving abilities, despite the reservations of her detective, Karadec. The show features a weekly mystery format, but it also includes a longer overarching storyline involving Morgan's search for her missing husband, which adds depth and conflict to the narrative. Reyes did not conduct ride-alongs with police officers for research but relied on consultants for guidance on police procedures and equipment, ensuring authenticity in her portrayal of a law enforcement officer. Overall, High Potential aims to blend engaging crime-solving elements with personal character arcs, showcasing the evolving dynamics between Selena and Morgan as they navigate the complexities of their partnership in solving crimes.