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How NBC's sci-fi Listener will balance mythology with stand-alone stories
Star Craig Olejnik and producer Christina Jennings of NBC's upcoming series The Listener told reporters that the show is very much in the sci-fi vein and said that it embraces its genre roots.
The Listener follows Toby Logan (Olejnik), a 25-year-old paramedic with a special gift: He's a telepath. NBC will launch The Listener with a two-hour premiere on Thursday, with subsequent episodes airing on Thursdays throughout the summer.
SCI FI Wire was on the line last week when Olejnik (Thir13en Ghosts) and Jennings (ReGenesis) took part in a conference call with reporters. The following are edited excerpts from that conversation.
Is Toby really as good as he seems? Will he remain this really good Robin Hood kind of a character, or does he have some flaws?
Olejnik: Well, he's human. He's thankfully born with flaws, which, in my opinion, makes him exciting. Throughout the season there are certainly highs and lows, yes. I don't know where we're going in season two, but season one you're basically getting him at the beginning, him really beginning to explore this ability that he's always pushed off to the side. So, of course, with any new power, he's really learning how to wield it. So it's, you know, a young Jedi, basically, honing his powers. Trial and error. And with the help of [his mentor] Ray Mercer, played by Colm Feore, he's able to streamline his relationship with his ability.
Why it is that Ray says "No one must know"? Is someone after Toby? Is there something else going on the backstory that we haven't learned yet?
Jennings: Yes, I was just going to say that I think that one of the things we've said in terms of the series was that you wouldn't really want a lot of people to know that you could read minds. First of all, it would really affect your personal relationships, because people couldn't hide anything from you. And the other thing for Toby, I think, is what would happen if he got into the wrong people's hands. The fundamental question Toby asks himself is "How did I get this way? Are there others like me out there?" And that's really what drives [the story] week by week. And toward the end of the season we will realize that he is on other people's radar.
And why will people want to take their time to tune in to see the show?
Olejnik: For, basically, the adventures of Toby, and his gift. I think it's going to be about the relationship you have with the characters that people will connect to.
Jennings: You have in Toby Logan, in effect, a reluctant hero. He's someone who the gift has formed who he is. He's been a bit of a loner in his life. He's a good-looking guy that would really like this gift thing to go away and he can just go on being a normal person, but he can't.
And in the first episode, he realizes that he's heard a cry for help from a stranger. He could ignore it. And if he ignores it, something horrible might happen to that person he's never met. He knows nothing. But that day he realizes "I've been given this gift for a reason, and I have to do something." And so when you ask why would people want to watch it, I think there's something inherent in that there are people that are prepared to help true strangers. So I think that's one of the reasons we think people might want to tune in. I think the other [reason] is that I think that we don't take ourselves too seriously. We have fun in the show. There is some humor. And I think audiences are looking for that.
We've spoken to the producers and actors from such shows as Eleventh Hour and Jericho. They were very insistent that the shows were not science fiction, not fantasy. How strongly will The Listener embrace its genre roots?
Jennings: It very much does embrace its sci-fi roots. You know, there aren't telepaths in the world, and so we've always said that we are a soft sci-fi show. And as we look forward to the next season and the season beyond that, I think we'll see even a bit more of that come out.
Following that up, some shows are like Fringe, which are episode by episode very cool as stand-alones but offer a lot of backstory, mythology, inside stuff for people who watch every single episode religiously. And then there are shows like Lost, where you must watch every episode or you're completely lost. Where on that scale does The Listener fall?
Jennings: It's very much Fringe. That's actually a very good example. You can watch Fringe, miss three episodes and not realize there's a whole thing going on with his dad. So there is, ... we do try and answer those questions. "Are there others out there like me?" and "How did I become this way?" And, I think, probably by the end of the 13 hours, the 13th episode, we start to get glimpses into some of those questions more. So, very much, you can miss a couple of shows in the middle and it won't affect your enjoyment.
By GQ at 6:17 AM ON 06/02/09
Honestly, this sounds really dull. Telepathy isn't a very visual ability so barring some clever camerawork this will be amazing tale of twenty-something pretty boy in the healthcare business. Big whoop.
Also, terrible name for a show. Makes me think of Ghost Whiperer and that's not what anyone wants, surely?
By TaisiN at 8:12 AM ON 06/02/09
you're completely correct it is dull. The Listener is a canadian show and has been on for at least a season in canada. it's not face paced and gets old after the second episode so look for it to be axed quickly
By Muldfeld at 8:33 AM ON 06/02/09
Are you sure it's been on in Canada for a year? I don't think so because I would have seen ads for it, since I watch Space all the time. My sense is it's making its premiere on Wednesday in Canada, but I doubt I'll watch it because Canadian-made commercial shows (as opposed to government-funded shows with a political/social conscience) are horrible. They tend to be completely unoriginal.
NBC probably bought this because it was cheap to cast and produce.
This really upsets me since NBC Universal essentially allowed The 4400 to get cancelled in favor of the mindless copycat Heroes, and The 4400 was cheap to produce and yet superbly written in the last half of Season 4 and Season 3 AND had a social and political conscience. I'll never forgive USA for that and for interfering in the writing process, too.
Hopefully, Ira Steven Behr can prove how wrong they were to fire his show (NOT Scott Peters, who had to have all his awful stuff rewritten) as he has become head-writer and showrunner of "Crash" Season 2. I'm definitely watching that!
By Marty B. at 9:07 AM ON 06/02/09
GQ, by clever camera work would you be satisified by the Matt Parkman shifty camera affect?
By chawoott at 9:45 AM ON 06/02/09
"NBC will launch The Listener with a two-hour premiere on Thursday" SAY WHAT?!?!?!? Which Thursday?
Every single source I come up against in print and online indicates something similar to the following:
The Listener
Emotional Rescue
Thu, Jun 4, 10:00p - 11:00p [Dolby Stereo] [Closed Captioned]
012 WWBT
2009 | TV14 | 60 mins
Toby tracks down an arsonist after saving a childhood friend from a burning building.
There's no indication of a 2-hour premiere anywhere.
Please advise.
thanX!!
By Someone at 11:09 AM ON 06/02/09
"TaisiN" is correct that it have aired but as "Muldfeld" said not in Canada it have aired in the UK and they finished showing season 1 yesterday.
By ben linus at 11:32 AM ON 06/02/09
This lovely piece of crap premiered all over Europe and other countries a long time ago.
Sorry, but don't even try to sell this thing as a good show, it's one of the most boring and bad acted shows I've ever seen, even worse than a CW show.
But it's full of crappy romance stuff, so maybe US viewers will like it.
By John Paradox at 12:25 PM ON 06/02/09
From TITAN TV:
The Listener
I'm An Adult Now (New) 8:00 PM, 1 hr
Thu 06/04/2009
KVOA 4
Science Fiction
Series Premiere, N, TVPG, English, 2009
A paramedic who also happens to be a telepath gets a vision of a fiery car crash; when he gets to the accident, he has visions of a traumatized woman's missing son, but she is unable to share any information to help him find the boy.
and
The Listener
9:00 PM, 59 min
Thu 06/04/2009
KVOA 4
Drama
TVPG, English
http://www.nbc.com
"The Listener" centers on Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "The Timekeeper"), a 25-year-old paramedic who has a big secret -- he's a telepath. Until now, Toby kept his ability hidden, exploring its possibilities only with his long time mentor and confidant, Dr. Ray Mercer (Colm Feore, "24: Redemption"). As he makes the rounds with his energetic paramedic partner -- "Oz" Bey (Ennis Esmer, "Young People F*#king"), "The Listener" follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis, and in the process, unravel the truth about his past. While his professional life is in check, Toby's personal life could use its own rescue. And with the help of Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman") and his E.R. doctor/ex-girlfriend Olivia Fa
By DryedMangoez at 2:41 PM ON 06/02/09
I've seen the first couple of episodes of The Listener and I actually enjoyed it. It does a good job of balancing the "mythology" and the procedural aspects of it.
It's different and as a summer show for NBC, it's fine.
By w00t7 at 4:13 PM ON 06/02/09
I watched some of the episodes online as well and thought that the series was done really well. I can't wait to watch more on NBC
By Liam Halls at 8:41 AM ON 06/04/09
I don't know why you people are bashing this show, as its very good and entertaining.
It is well acted and looks great. You people don't know good tv if it bit you in the ass.
By SCOTT1030 at 7:21 PM ON 06/08/09
Liam's right, Why are you guys saying this is a bad show? I really enjoy it and like the story, characters, and overall plot. I'm not saying you guys are wrong, but I would like to know why you hate it so much.
By Scott Parkman at 7:24 PM ON 06/08/09
Liam's right, Why are you guys saying this is a bad show? I really enjoy it and like the story, characters, and overall plot. I'm not saying you guys are wrong, but I would like to know why you hate this show so much.
By FGT at 12:22 AM ON 06/09/09
Below is a link that tells you the original air-dates. Also, do not flame a Canadian produced show or any show produced anywhere for that matter. This show has underlining qualities that make you think. You have to discover them for yourselves. There are many interpretations of any one given show, even if it seems redundant of other shows that were air prior to them. Just my two cents, enjoy.
By Ann at 5:02 PM ON 06/10/09
I agree, I don't know why so many people think this is a bad show or that it'll get cancelled. I think that it's pretty good. It definitely had me and my brother wanting to keep watching. I really hope they have a second season and soon!
As for Muldfeld's comment, yeah 4400 was good and yeah it's a shame that it got cancelled but Heroes is a pretty good show as well. I personally like Heroes over 4400.
By sylph at 7:49 PM ON 06/11/09
great show.just finished the first season.can't wait for season 2
By crobertob at 10:05 PM ON 06/13/09
I agree with the last comments, it seems that the first people commenting the news haven't even seen it. I like the show..
By Sean at 11:20 PM ON 06/19/09
I think the reason why people are missing this show out is because it's not completely original, but it does have it's originality to it.
It reminds me of Tru Calling and how much i loved that show, i think now i have found a show that is just as good as Tru Calling and im really hoping/looking forward to a second season.
It kept me watching week by week and that's a deffinate tick in my box.
The Listener=Awesome television. Don't be put off by it's name and keep watching more episodes after the first, TV Shows always get better, just give them a chance.
I wasnt sure about it the first time i watched it either and a kept watching and i now really enjoy it. I can't wait to add it to my DVD collection.
By KJRob at 5:33 PM ON 06/21/09
Season 2 will not air until spring or summer of 2010. I just finished watching season 1 from the net. It aired in Canada as a 13 episode 1st season run. America and Canada have reached an agreement to hold of on season 2 untill all of season 1 has aired here in the states. I wish it was sooner because the 1st season ended in one hell of a cliffhanger.
By Insanemom at 7:15 PM ON 06/21/09
I think this show is great. it has a human aspect to it that alot of people wish they can do. help people change their lives. add this with a twist of telepathy and it makes for an interesting storyline. all first seasons of all new shows get alot of flack from everywhere. Look at shows like CSI and House and Bones they struggled in the first seasons too. It takes about a season to break viewers in to the characters and each of their personal stories. I think the main actors are great at the pulling you in. I guess to it's a matter of what kind of psi-fi viewer you are as I found it good but but I am not a hard core psy-fi viewer. I really enjoyed the first season and I am looking forward to the second.
My only real beef with this series and all others made in Canada is why are Canadians the ones that paid for it the last to see it????????
By Tammy at 1:17 PM ON 07/07/09
I really like the show. I didn't think a Telepathy was a great power either until I saw the show. Some episodes are good some a little boring... but I will still be watching the show.
By Ryan at 11:38 AM ON 07/11/09
This is a great show. it might not be as fast paced as other shows but still keeps my attention thought-out all the episodes. I cant wait to see what happens next. If you haven't seen this show i would have to say.. just watch it.. you wont be disappointed
By mary at 2:35 PM ON 07/13/09
I love this show. We have just had the first season in England....when is season 2 coming?
By Anon at 2:23 PM ON 07/15/09
I really love the show!!!! and I hope they make more seasons! I love every aspect of it... each episodes leaves you wanting more and it catches your attention throughout all the episode!! I simply LOVE it!! it is NOT a dull show!!
By Tasha at 9:08 PM ON 07/21/09
Umm this is the most amazing show ever.
It's not airing in the US anymore, only Canada.
Anyone know when the 2nd season is to come out?
By Aly at 6:15 AM ON 07/24/09
This show is amazing. It has a complexity to it that you have to understand. If you're one of the people who doesn't like to think about the events in the show, who wants everything laid out obviously, then don't watch it and don't call it crap. It is a show that you must think about. It keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat with suspense, and then it strikes you with a twist you didn't expect. An aspect of this show is that most people wish to have the ability to read other's minds, but they don't realize how hard it is, and that is exemplified here. People aren't always what they seem, and telling someone of your gift could end in your own undoing. Don't call the show crap because you don't like it. Others don't need your negative outlook hindering their decision. I recommend this show if you like shows of depth and of mental games. Th Listener is profound and very well thought out. It always leaves you wanting more.
By Judy at 1:19 AM ON 07/26/09
Super show. I hope there is a season 2... I want to know what happens after the cliff hanger ending.
One of the best shows of the season - certainly the best new show on NBC. They were fools to cancel it.
By mkroggasch at 1:15 PM ON 07/29/09
I hope that "they" continue to produce this show and find another network to air it on. The exec's at NBC are idiots. I would love to see a season 2. :)
By n3llo at 4:14 AM ON 08/02/09
love this show, it finished here in Ireland a couple of months ago and i am looking for when the next series (if any) is back on?? any help would be much appreciated....
season 1 definitely ended on a cliff hanger so am eager to see what happens.
By O.o at 4:28 AM ON 08/02/09
Ok. So I live in Canada, and we're only on episode 9 which premiers next week on the 7th of August, and I have to say, the first couple episodes were alright, but not really intense or thrilling, but as it goes it gets way better, so don't judge this show by the first few episodes. IT'S REALLY GOOD!! They will come out with another season in Canada for sure!
By mikz at 2:14 PM ON 08/14/09
Watch it first before you bad mouth it - this is a good show. Not sure why PPL keeps comparing it to Ghost whisper or Tru calling? The listener is about reading thoughts / minds - not seeing or talking to dead people - not being contacted by a bunch if stiffs in the morgue to traveling back in time a few days to chance events...geez ppl pay attention to the shows you're watching...
By KPK at 3:52 AM ON 08/25/09
I really really LOVE this show! You definitely have a chance to connect and form a relationship to the characters. I was able to watch a few episodes on TV(I work nights) and just finished the watching the rest online at NBC.com. I hope that we in the US are able to watch season 2 if CTV decides to continue the show. NBC made a big mistake letting this one go. Just because their ratings weren't high enough doesn't mean people don't watch it online or with DVR.
LOVE THE LISTENER!!!!
By BRK at 2:08 AM ON 08/29/09
Glad to see a show that doesn't hide Toronto from being Toronto. And I agree with the previous comments. Takes a few episodes to warm up to things, but it's one of my favourite shows now. Glad to see some high quality content coming out from the big smoke. But looking forward to Fringe, SGU, Mentalist and other goodies in the fall as well on different networks.
By JDG at 5:01 PM ON 09/07/09
im waiting for the next season but seriously why bash the show just cause you dont like it ?? just dont write anything dumbass
By loveit at 8:45 PM ON 09/09/09
Okay, this is an awesome show. Come on give it a bit of a breaking being a Canadian show, we aren't always that great at making them! But this one rocks. the quality in the directing and camera work , fabulous. And the cast work so well together. and they act well too!
Give it a try, we Canadians have got it right this time. NBC may not agree but CTV better keep this one going...
By emmy at 6:59 AM ON 09/18/09
this show is awesome i can't wait for season two!
By webwatcher at 11:42 AM ON 11/12/09
Just saw that CTV has ordered season 2. NBC messed up in canceling this but at least it will be out there. Can't wait to see it.
By chorts at 9:20 PM ON 11/22/09
I LOVE THIS SHOW! my b/f and i watch it all the time. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A SEASON 2 the cliff hanger was awesome at the end...definitely makes you want more.
By KAFCookie at 12:17 PM ON 12/30/09
This show rocks!! I had heard about it a bit this summer, but never knew where to find it on TV. I was tooling around Hulu the other day trying to find something to watch besides reruns and remembered this show. Well, in the last 3 days, I have watched every episode and LOVED IT!! Of course, now I have found out it was canceled by NBC (big surprise, because they hate interesting, well rounded shows apparently). I hope some channel here picks it up, because I will be MAJORLY ticked if it ends here!!!
By KCJP at 1:06 PM ON 01/02/10
Great show, can't wait to see season 2!
By emma at 5:02 PM ON 01/25/10
Hey, good night, my name is Emma, and I want to say that this series is the best. Fascinating series. I would love to have another season or two, or as much as possible ...
By emma at 3:31 PM ON 01/26/10
Hey, good night everyone. I'm from Israel, and I must say that this series completely drove me crazy! this series is the best !!!
By emma at 6:09 PM ON 01/26/10
I do not care where the series will be broadcast, as long as the series will return for another season. I also will see the series online, I don't care...
This series is ... Fascinating! Interesting!
The series gives a good example to be more human, and also have humor, and it really works together ... Admirable series!
By emma at 1:12 PM ON 01/27/10
Did I forget to add something? Maybe...
To my opinion, the "Listener" is a very successful series, it reflects the reality,
I connected to the series from the first chapter....
I really hope the series will return to Israel.
I waited all night to see the series, now what? Instead, there's another series, not really interesting...
By emma at 8:10 AM ON 01/31/10
Good afternoon everyone ...
This week I received an email from our satellite (Israel) ... They write that there is second season to the "Listener", but
they do not know when to broadcast it in Israel.... It made my day !!!
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
emma:
Good afternoon everyone ... This week I received an email from our satellite (Israel) ... They write that there is ...More »