Steve Howey Exits 'High Potential' as Series Regular After Season 2 Finale

Steve Howey has concluded his role as a series regular on ABC's crime procedural "High Potential" following the Season 2 finale. The episode ended with a cliffhanger, as his character, Captain Nick Wagner, was discovered seriously injured by Morgan (Kaitlin Olson).

Howey's departure aligns with a one-year deal he signed when joining the series.

Character's Fate Remains Undetermined

The future of Captain Wagner's character on the show, and the possibility of Steve Howey returning, remains undetermined. There is a potential for Howey to appear as a guest star in the beginning of Season 3 to conclude his character's storyline.

Any decisions regarding this will be made by the new "High Potential" showrunner and writing team, as Todd Harthan, who served as showrunner for the first two seasons, has departed.

Captain Nick Wagner's Story Arc Explored

Captain Nick Wagner's character generated discussion among viewers. Early in the season, he appeared with a mustache that was later removed following audience feedback. Source 1 also notes this mustache was required for another series Howey was filming concurrently.

His presence and character development were intermittent for much of the season, with some portrayals suggesting he was a suspicious figure and an early romantic interest for Morgan.

Wagner's storyline gained momentum in the latter part of the season, which included an exploration of his emotional backstory and a kiss with Morgan. In the Season 2 finale, Morgan and Soto (Judy Reyes) confronted Wagner about his association with his politician father.

Wagner provided Morgan with a delayed or incorrect meeting time for an FBI source. This delay resulted in him being shot during the encounter, with Morgan arriving later to find him bleeding.

Source 2 indicates that this action was intended to protect Morgan.

Behind the Scenes: Showrunner Transition

Todd Harthan, who oversaw the first two seasons of "High Potential" as showrunner, has departed from the series. A search for his replacement is currently underway.

Howey's Future Projects

Steve Howey has several other acting projects scheduled. He holds a recurring role in Prime Video's "Off Campus," which has been renewed for a second season. He is also slated to recur in the second season of Netflix's "Ransom Canyon" and the fifth season of "The Lincoln Lawyer."

Other Season 2 Finale Conclusions

The "High Potential" Season 2 finale also concluded the arc for Susan Kelechi Watson's character, Lucia, who was Karadec's (Daniel Sunjata) ex-fiancée. Lucia became implicated in a murder case during the finale, with Karadec personally handling her booking.