The Listener

This is a brilliant series and it's a shame that it ended as it did. They could have done so much more with it.

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.

Amazing show season one .. was on it way to a classic scifi show and half way through they changed the writers and the direction. Season 2 was okay even with the change but by season 3 this is just a cop show with a mind reader. So much potential WASTED.

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.