The Listener - hellhörig

I was very surprised by the quality of this show. I must admit I just watched it at first because I heard it was filmed in Toronto. After a few episodes, my girlfriend and I were hooked and want more. The show has its action with its splash of comedy on the side added by Ennis Esmer. It is a interesting "Hero-esque" type show where the main character, Toby (Craig Olejnik), must learn to use his powers, which allow him to hear the thoughts of others.

People with powers seem to be in abundance these days, and I really didn't have high hopes for this one, but even after the first few episodes you will see that there is some writing quality in the show as well. Give it a shot. If you're a Toronto local, you will also find it heavily entertaining that this show is not just filmed in Toronto, but the storyline is set here as well. Great show, still waiting on a green light for Season two.

I've seen some reviews on this series and kinda noticed most of the bad ones seem to come from North American reviewers and most of the good ones come from the rest of the world... So I thought "what the hell? why not drop half a rainy day on this?".

Like any drama, it takes time to build up enough background to work with (for example Dollhouse). All the actors do an excellent job (esp. Craig Olejnik) and the writing improves as the show goes on. The first and second episodes were OK but the third got me wanting more. I don't know about everyone else but I know I certainly enjoyed it and I hope there will be more in the future.

I really like this show. OK, it's not overly fast-paced and has a few plot holes - but it does have a lot of heart. I enjoy the interaction of the main characters (esp. Oz) and the slow unfolding of the back-story. The end of season 1 left me wondering, what we will learn about his fate and his mother. However, this is where I'm stuck now.

WHERE IS THE SEASON 2 DVD?!

You're 4 episodes in, so it's about time to bring 2 and 3 out on a disc. Does nobody think about the poor European viewers? Do you really want to force me to ask a friend to download the episodes from some illegal platform? Come on! I'm ready to spend money - so give me a chance!

So far I have only seen 3-4 episodes but it is different from many main stream shows and seems to have good characterizations and decent writing. The acting is fine and the people seem real, not too pretty, slick or glib. I prefer seeing people who look real and not like models; it is much more believable when there are wrinkles, flaws and wear and tear on the faces. Canadian and British casting seems to be very good for that. The world and time worn Gordon Pinsent is on one episode, he is an underrated and not well enough known actor who adds so much to everything he does. Doubtless his choice to stay in Canada was to his careers' detriment. I hope I am wrong but it looks like this show was not renewed, typical for many very good shows here in Canada, unfortunately. We suffer from a national inferiority complex which means until things are recognized outside our borders we don't really feel like it is "good enough" to merit our support. If the show was renewed I would love to know.

Season 1 was by far the best season for The Listener. It had a very interesting story line and it made the fans ask so many questions. It had me at the edge of my seat. But then it stopped airing for a while and when it came back it was like a whole new different show.

Before it was about the boy with this supernatural power, mind reading, who had no idea how and why he had it, a mysterious past and so many questions unanswered. You'd basically feel what Toby is going through and desperately wait for answers while he saved people.

Now It's about a Hero with super powers who has taken a job in IIB to read people's mind to solve cases.

Not cool. We have enough CSI, CIA, NCIS, CBI, crime teams on TV if we wanted crime solving then we'd watch CIA Miami or Five-0 for the way normal people solve crimes. This show has a boy who can read minds. Where is the fun in that? Go back to your good ol' mysterious past and get into Toby more. No one cares about Michelle and her divorce. We want some Toby action. Please.

If you don't mind being left with a lot of questions unanswered and enjoy average crime solving then watch it. The only reason this show is getting stars if for Season 1.