The Listener

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.

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.

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!

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 have only seen four episodes so far but I plan on watching the rest of the season. I think this has the potential to be even better if given the opportunity. There is no limit to where the storyline can go.

As the episodes progress I have seen more character development. It takes time to build on a new character's background. What's the fun in knowing everything about them in the first episode? There is also the possibility of a villain surfacing sometime in the future.

It is refreshing to watch something other than crime, courtroom, and hospital dramas. I would like to see some people being saved for a change.