It is a series of dramatic events that embody the story of the 25-year-old medic who has a great secret. Paramedic Toby seems to have a hidden ability, as he tries to explore his potential only with his long-time mentor, Dr. Ray Mercer and his active paramedic partner 'Oz' Bey. The series 'The Listener' follows Toby as he tries to help people who face more difficulties in their lives.
The writers, while showing a certain lack of imagination in feeding Toby the voices of passers-by, have at least invested their lead with a mildly intriguing backstory.
There's potential. And if the stories each week use the best aspects of Toby's gift to tell interesting tales, then The Listener might end up being perfect summertime viewing.
Toby's "gift" seems to work selectively, as required by the plot, and the paramedic part of his work seems designed largely to get him to crime scenes.
Scenes including Toby using his abilities to help or empower others, the young mother buying a gun, and the flashes into Toby's past, give us a look at the potential The Listener has.
It's all dopey - and as believable as a telepathic paramedic, a supermodel detective and a partner who doesn't notice he's riding around with a psychic.
The plots are complex enough to sustain mystery, and if the mean streets of Toronto aren't all that scary, this is a good thing for a show that is trying not to shock, but to entertain.
The Canadians make nice TV - pleasant, intelligent TV, where people, even the bad guys, are civil and fundamentally decent. In a word, "The Listener" is boring. Or, if you prefer alliteration, listless.