See no evil. Speak no evil. Hear all evil.
That is the premise of the new Canadian-produced drama “The Listener” which premiered on CTV last night and premieres on NBC as a summer series with a two-episode introduction tonight.
Craig Olejnik is Toby Logan, a paramedic with a gift. Toby is telepathic; he can read other people’s thoughts. After years of blocking the thoughts of others, he is blasted at the site of a car accident where a young woman’s pleas for help blast through his mental shields.
As he investigates why this happened, Toby is drawn into the cause of the car accident and discovers that the victim’s son has been kidnapped. Deciding to tune in rather than tune out, he helps her recover her son, who was kidnapped after she witnessed a shooting.
Toby has only let one person in on his secret, long-time friend Dr. Ray Mercer (Colm Feore). Even his ex-girlfriend Dr. Olivia Fawcett and his EMT partner “Oz” Bey don’t know what he can do. And he certainly isn’t going to tell Detective Marks; she’s already suspicious.
The pilot was a little slow but had a lot of promise. Aside from the unresolved relationship between Toby and Olivia, the only other subplot was of Toby’s forgotten history. Somebody from his past knows what he can do and may be looking for him; thus the need for secrecy. Not even his old friend Ray knows what happened as Toby can only remember bits and pieces of his childhood.
I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting into from the commercials and I was right. “The Listener” is a less-saccharine version of “The Ghost Whisperer”. Unlike Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Melinda Gordon, Toby Logan does not have a Pollyanna life, surrounded by people who know his secret and will help him use his gift to the benefit of others. And I was glad, because frankly knowing somebody can read your mind would definitely be more offputting that having a friend who sees dead people. Toby’s decision to help – and continue to help – others will have some benefits but he knows it is going to cost him in the end. Craig Olejnik walks this line quite well. He’ll eavesdrop to get a date or suck up to the boss when there is no fear of being caught but using his gift as a practical tool will mean accepting a part of himself that he’s fought his whole life. Additionally, if he acts on what he knows, he will also be responsible for the results of his actions whereas before he was willfully ignorant and innocent.
This isn’t the first Canadian series in recent years to be bought by an American networks. Last summer after the WGA strike, CBS acquired and aired the series “Flashpoint“, which was later picked up for a second season. Hopefully, NBC’s luck will be as good.
“The Listener” isn’t going to blow you away but it definitely has enough good points to bring you back for the next episode. It will make a thoroughly enjoyable summer series – intriguing characters, a couple laughs, a few thrills and some “what would you do if’s”.
“The Listener” airs as a two-hour premiere on NBC tonight. The pilot episode aired on CTV in Canada on Wednesday and the second episode will run tonight.
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I am going to be a bad Canadian and say that I was really unimpressed by this show. I had been hoping that after the success of Flashpoint (which I love!) that a new standard had been set in Canadian programming. The episode was SO slow I had to fight to stay awake. I may give it one more try , but the grainy film, the very slow start, the lack of charismatic actors doesn't give me much hope. I guess I'll see tonight when episode 2 airs- hopefully not in the same time slot as Harper's ;)
Until I read this article, I didn't realize it would be airing on a US network.I am actually quite shocked.
I think they are hoping for another "Flashpoint." I missed the second episode but will try again next week.
I am going to be a bad Canadian and say that I was really unimpressed by this show. I had been hoping that after the success of Flashpoint (which I love!) that a new standard had been set in Canadian programming. The episode was SO slow I had to fight to stay awake. I may give it one more try , but the grainy film, the very slow start, the lack of charismatic actors doesn’t give me much hope. I guess I’ll see tonight when episode 2 airs- hopefully not in the same time slot as Harper’s ;)
Until I read this article, I didn’t realize it would be airing on a US network.I am actually quite shocked.
I think they are hoping for another “Flashpoint.” I missed the second episode but will try again next week.
Unfortunately I found the 2nd episode sort of slow as well- I stayed awake for most of it- but #2 didn't come on til 1100 pm my time, so I fell asleep- I did think to tape it this time, I stayed awake for ep 1 (barely) on NBC- it was a little better on 2nd viewing.
Did you see the ads for Merlin? Oy. That was bad for even Global…but apparently NBC is going to be showing it as well (Think The Last Templar bad ;). I think it is a CDN/Britain collaberation.
Unfortunately I found the 2nd episode sort of slow as well- I stayed awake for most of it- but #2 didn’t come on til 1100 pm my time, so I fell asleep- I did think to tape it this time, I stayed awake for ep 1 (barely) on NBC- it was a little better on 2nd viewing.
Did you see the ads for Merlin? Oy. That was bad for even Global…but apparently NBC is going to be showing it as well (Think The Last Templar bad ;). I think it is a CDN/Britain collaberation.
Sometimes these things take time… until then, help out Toby Logan at areyoursecretssafe.com
Sometimes these things take time… until then, help out Toby Logan at areyoursecretssafe.com
I pretty much agree with the reviewer. I've watched first two and plan to add it my summer viewing list. Now, if this was being aired in the fall .. well, that would be different (TOO much other stuff airing that I'd want to be watching) .. and while right now I couldn't put it "tops" on my summer viewing list, it can make the list.
I pretty much agree with the reviewer. I’ve watched first two and plan to add it my summer viewing list. Now, if this was being aired in the fall .. well, that would be different (TOO much other stuff airing that I’d want to be watching) .. and while right now I couldn’t put it “tops” on my summer viewing list, it can make the list.