High Potential Season 2 Episode 2 recap: The Game Maker's clever moves fall short 

High Potential Season 2 is raising the stakes, higher than ever before. Episode 2 of the hit ABC drama series finds Morgan Gillory (played by Kaitlin Olson) having a face-off with the devious Game Maker (played by David Giuntoli), all the while learning that her ex-husband, Roman Sinquerra, who had been missing for years, could be alive.

High Potential Season 2 Episode 2, titled 'Checkmate,' picks up the story from the previous episode, which ended on a surprising note. While the LAPD Major Crimes department has been onto Game Maker, aka Matthew Clark, his appearance at the station as part of the ongoing investigation leaves everyone perplexed. Meanwhile, Detective Adam Karadec (played by Daniel Sunjata) is trying to find a way to stop Derek Price (played by Shaun Sipos) from killing Jason Howard (played by Nick Wechsler).

---

High Potential Season 2 Episode 2 puts the spotlight on the Game Maker

Morgan has been vehemently asserting Game Maker’s role in the disappearance of Maya Price (played by Kate Miner). She and Selena (played by Judy Reyes) inform Karadec about Matthew’s appearance at the station for voluntary questioning. While Morgan suspects that something sinister is in the air, Karadec goes ahead and questions him. But in Game Maker’s true style, the LAPD is left with random clues.

High Potential Season 2 Episode 2 takes an unexpected turn when, after denying his involvement in Maya’s disappearance, Matthew asks for Pillsbury cookies during the interrogation. Morgan realizes that Game Maker wants the team to try the Pillsbury chess variation.

The move essentially means that they will have to release Jason to find Maya. But they are also aware that the moment Jason is let go, Derek will try to take him down, as he believes that Jason is responsible for Maya’s abduction. The Game Maker also relays that if Morgan concedes, Maya will be freed. After assuring police protection to Jason, he is released.

High Potential Season 2 Episode 2 also sheds light on what happened to Roman. In the previous episode, detectives Daphne (played by Javicia Leslie) and Oz (played by Deniz Akdeniz) went to a motel looking for Roman, only to learn that the person has once again disappeared. And it wasn’t Roman.

---

Game Maker continues to taunt the LAPD in High Potential Season 2 Episode 2

Game Maker’s antics do not stop with his appearance at the station. The LAPD finds a video of Maya after a bomb threat on a bus. He is keeping Morgan on her toes as well by letting her know that he is tracking her moves, which makes her precarious. Also, in the bag where they find the drive with the footage, they discover traces of chemicals indicating the possible existence of a bomb.

The LAPD takes clues from the video and sets out to look for Maya. Karadec and Morgan find themselves at Jason’s house, where Karadec’s car blows up. Jason decides to hire his own security. After Jason leaves the station, Derek almost gets to him before Karadec stops him.

On the family front, Elliot (played by Matthew Lamb), with the help of Ludo (played by Taran Killam), is all set to perform at the school talent show. Elliot's words about winning and losing a battle make Morgan take an unexpected step.

Morgan goes to Matthew’s apartment and tells him that she is accepting defeat. While he doesn’t tell her directly about Maya’s whereabouts, he gives her a few clues. With Karadec, Morgan will make Derek stand down to go and find Maya. Maya is found alive and well. While all is done and dusted, Game Maker is still at large, with the LAPD struggling to find any evidence against him.

---

It's the end of the road for the Game Maker in High Potential Season 2 Episode 2

Morgan once again finds herself in the Game Maker’s apartment. She realizes that he had stolen Maya’s blood that she had donated to make it seem like Jason murdered her. Morgan also concludes that the main motivation behind the Game Maker's involvement in the crime stems from his childhood. Game Maker’s mother was accused of theft at a famous hotel. She died in prison for a crime she did not commit and that left a huge impact on him growing up.

Game Maker blames the rich people, who are always protected by the system, unlike the working-class people. He wanted to make the rich people pay and going after Jason was just a means to achieve his goal. After Morgan tells him that the police will be arresting him, Matthew will jump from the balcony to avoid dying in prison. But Morgan had anticipated that, and police had placed an inflatable bed. The police arrest him, putting an end to his spiteful, twisted games.

While Morgan is still apprehensive about Elliot, he gives a standout performance. At the end of High Potential Season 2 Episode 2, Arthur (played by Mekhi Phifer), who was at the motel, comes to the school to meet Morgan. He tells her that he has been working with Roman, who is currently holed up as a law official is threatening him. Arthur tells her to call him and leaves without any further explanation.

Watch High Potential Season 2 on ABC.

ALSO READ: Why does Lewis consider Toni's proposal in Reasonable Doubt Season 3 Episode 2? McKinley Freeman says it's "a desire to have a fresh start"

---

For more stories on shows, follow SoapCentral.