Does the ending score of High Potential episode 9 finally answer where Roman is? Explained

The ending of High Potential episode 9 leaves viewers with more questions than answers about Morgan's missing husband, Roman. The final scene is accompanied by the song The Way by Fastball, which adds a layer of sadness and mystery.

While the episode doesn't explicitly reveal Roman's fate, the choice of this song hints at a grim possibility. The lyrics and the real-life story behind the song suggest the possibility that Roman is lost in a way that makes his return unlikely.

In High Potential episode 9, Morgan is running after Conforth, a character holding valuable information regarding Roman. He is quite unwilling to give out details, which frustrates Morgan. The haunting melody of The Way, performed by Rose Cousins, is the soundtrack for this tension-ridden moment, and it's clear that the stakes are high.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on the author's personal opinion.

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The meaning of The Way

The Way, released in 1998, is a song by the pop group Fastball. It features a bittersweet impression, especially since the song seems to be a celebration of adventure on the surface. Lines such as "They made up their minds, and they started packing" evoke the imagery of freedom and excitement. However, if one pays attention to the lyrics, it's clear that something's deeper.

The line "Where were they going without ever knowing the way?" hints at confusion and being misplaced. The song features a concept of going astray without purpose that may culminate in tragedy. The desperation portrays similarities with Morgan's quest for Roman. She follows leads but is not certain about where the search path will lead her or whether she will ever find him.

In High Potential episode 9, this song fits perfectly with Morgan's journey. The uncertainty and emotional toll are echoed in the song's haunting melody and lyrics.

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The true story behind The Way

The Way is based on a real-life emotional story, as per songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tony Scalzo's 2004 interview with SPIN. The song was inspired by an elderly couple named Lela and Raymond Howard, who went missing during a road trip. They were headed to a fiddling festival in Temple, Texas.

As per Screen Rant, Lela showed symptoms of dementia, while Raymond had suffered a stroke. Still, the couple booked themselves for a trip, but they got lost and died in that adventure. Three days later, the car was discovered at the bottom of a canyon with both dead.

The tragedy of the tale adds much-needed depth to the song's lyrics. Freedom and adventure mean much more, with the possibility that even with good intentions, things might go wrong. In High Potential episode 9, this narrative seems parallel to Roman's disappearance. Much like the couple, Roman might have been lost in a situation in which rescue cannot be easily staged.

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What does this mean for Roman in High Potential?

In High Potential episode 9, the song is used to hint at Roman's fate. Throughout the episode, Morgan tries to get answers from Conforth, who admits to knowing Roman but refuses to reveal more. This evasiveness creates tension. Combined with the song, it paints a bleak picture of Roman's chances.

The lyrics of The Way indicate that Roman may be in a place where he can't return either physically or emotionally. The song's theme of being lost may be about Roman's situation. Whether alive or dead, the song gives the impression that Morgan's quest to find him will not be a happy one.

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High Potential episode 9 premiered on ABC on January 14, 2025, and dropped on Hulu the next day. Interested viewers can watch the episode on the streaming platform.