Did Morgan & Tom Just Break Up? High Potential’s Unexpected Separation Explained

Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for High Potential season 1, episode 9.High Potential's Tom (J.D. Pardo) departure was shocking, but the book isn't permanently shut on his and Morgan's (Kaitlin Olson) relationship. Tom was introduced in High Potential episode 6 (“Hangover”) and began a flirtation with Morgan that progressed until he asked her out officially at the start of the following episode. The midseason finale hostage situation derailed their plans until High Potential episode 8 (“Obsessed”), but their first date seemed to be their last— at least for now.

High Potential has succeeded as The Good Doctor’s replacement and broken viewership records on ABC, but the pilot season follows much more important storylines than a romance. Tom and Morgan could have had a sweet subplot in High Potential, but they were incompatible. Morgan’s life is hectic and, despite promising her he could handle it, Tom bowed out when she got too busy for him. Morgan’s love life could take new turns or even bring more closure with Tom in High Potential season 2, but only time will tell if Pardo has retired the role for good.

Tom Is Moving To San Diego (But Leaves The Door Open For Morgan To Visit)

Now That He's Done With School, Tom Is Pursuing A Nursing Career

The reveal that Tom is moving was abrupt, especially considering where the character left off. His last scene in High Potential episode 8 showed him talking to Morgan about how their relationship could work to calm the chaos in their lives. Cut to High Potential episode 9, and Tom’s first and only appearance is to tell Morgan he’s leaving town. In the time between episodes, Morgan missed multiple calls from Tom, which he took as a “hint” to stop reaching out. Morgan tried to reassure him that it wasn’t him specifically, but Tom was resigned to let her go.

Still, before Morgan walked away completely, Tom called out to suggest she visit since “San Diego isn’t that far.” Despite being the one to initiate their soft breakup, Tom is also the one to keep the option open for a reunion. Morgan will always be too busy for Tom in High Potential, whether it’s because of a case or her own scattered mind. Now that Morgan is starting to learn what happened to Roman in High Potential, there’s no chance she could prioritize a relationship.

Why A Long-Distance Relationship Will Not Work With Tom & Morgan In High Potential

They Couldn't Even Handle A Short-Distance Romance

Morgan and Tom calling it quits isn't totally out of the blue, however. High Potential episode 8 proved Morgan and Tom were doomed because they were on two different pages. Morgan knew she couldn’t easily schedule dates or commit to meeting him, but Tom was naively optimistic and stubborn about them eventually finding time. Even when they did eventually coordinate a dinner date, Morgan left early to meet Selena (Judy Reyes) and get an update on Roman’s case. High Potential never showed Tom’s reaction, but he likely grew frustrated by their conflicting schedules.

The problems in their relationship would only worsen if Tom and Morgan attempted a long-distance relationship. Tom already established that Morgan couldn’t consistently reply to his messages, and there would be no possible way to confront her face-to-face from San Diego. On the other hand, Tom’s offer for Morgan to visit is probably not literal. Realistically, they both know their relationship is over, but Tom is telling her that if she ever gets to a point where she can find the time, Morgan knows where to find him.

What Tom's Exit Means For Morgan's Future (Including A Possible Romance With Karadec)?

Tom Set Her Free, But Morgan Needs Time

Now that Morgan and Tom are over, it’s unclear how long it will take for Morgan to have a new love interest in High Potential. The general consensus is that Karadec is better for Morgan in High Potential, but they have the perfect set-up for a slow-burn romance. It would be a waste for Karadec and Morgan to get together in High Potential season 1. The procedural needs to build their tension while they’re purely professional. The longer High Potential lets Morgan and Karadec’s relationship develop organically, the better the payoff will be when they eventually come together.

Focusing on their work allows Morgan and Karadec to build a strong friendship, which is the best foundation for a romantic relationship. By the time they date, Karadec will already be ingrained in Morgan’s life and not require the same attention that Tom did. In the meantime, Morgan can continue doing what she loves and consult LAPD cases without worrying about maintaining a fresh romance. Though Tom leaving High Potential is sudden, the freedom he gives Morgan by letting her go is a nice parting gift.

High Potential continues Tuesday at 9 ET on ABC.