Actor Aiden Turner plays art recovery specialist Rhys Eastman in ABC's High Potential, where his character leaves protagonist Morgan in a compromising position in the midseason finale. Turner, a fan of the show, enjoyed portraying the charming suspect amid a major cliffhanger. The series returns January 6, 2026, at 9/8c with more twists ahead.
Guest Star's Role and Reception
Aiden Turner, known from All My Children, guest stars as Rhys Eastman in High Potential's midseason finale. His character, an art recovery specialist aiding the LAPD, becomes a suspect in an art theft when Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) drunkenly undresses him in a hotel room, realizing too late his potential guilt. Turner tells Deadline, 'I enjoy being eye candy,' and adds he felt a big responsibility as a fan, watching with his partner Jessica Miller to ensure authenticity for the loyal audience.
Turner notes Morgan's romantic struggles, having only dated Tom (JD Pardo) over two seasons, and feels honored to end that drought. 'I feel like, within the show, you kind of see her longing for a good man,' he says. Showrunner Todd Harthan praises Turner's casting, saying he embodied a 'Pierce Brosnan or James Bond' vibe—smooth, smart, and mysterious—without arrogance.
Cliffhanger and Future Twists
Harthan teases Rhys may not be the thief, despite evidence like a scar. 'Just because he has a scar, that doesn't mean he's the guy, you don't know!' he tells TVLine. The second half promises surprises and twists in the fun ride ahead.
Return Details
High Potential resumes Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 9/8c on ABC, one hour earlier than before. The wait is shorter than the seven months between seasons 1 and 2. Upcoming episodes include a face-off between Karadec and Wagner over Wagner's outburst toward Morgan, with Harthan noting Karadec will interrogate Wagner's agenda.