Are filler episodes in series like ‘Naruto Shippuden’ and ‘One Piece’ just there to add bulk?
Everyone likes a bit of straight-to-the-point action, but what if I told you that those filler episodes in anime aren’t as expendable as you think? Yes, those episodes that are considered “filler” and that many people avoid. Its reputation may not be the best, but today we are going to explore the papel crucial that play in the world of anime.
The reasons behind filler episodes in anime are as diverse as the series in which they appear, as pointed out in Collider. In sagas like ‘Naruto Shippuden’, these episodes were produced because the anime was going faster than the manga on which it is based. The solution was simple: filler episodes to give the manga time to progress. It’s an effective way to maintain fidelity to the original material without losing an audience in the process.
In contrast, series like ‘Attack on Titan’ decided to wait for more chapters of the manga to be published, resulting in a five-year gap between seasons. A risky strategy that could have killed public interest.
Believe it or not, filler episodes can be true treasures of character development. Who doesn’t want to see Naruto or Goku outside of their usual environment, showing us new facets of their personality? In addition to epic battles and intricate plots, these “useless” moments offer us a complete vision of the world we inhabit episode after episode. They provide that necessary pause for both the characters and the spectators.
Not all anime abuse the resource of filler. While ‘Naruto Shippuden’ has more than a fifth of its episodes classified as filler, ‘One Piece’ shows much more restraint with a total of less than 100 filler episodes in a series of more than 1,000 chapters, although the One Pace platform promises to save you 700 chapters… However, regardless of the amount, filler always offers something valuable: a new perspective or a break in a fast-paced plot.
The Life Behind the Action: How Filler Episodes Humanize Our Heroes
If you’ve ever felt like you know characters like Naruto or Luffy like they were lifelong friends, you can partly thank the filler episodes for that. These episodes show us our favorite heroes in less epic but more human situations. It is here where we see them face everyday dilemmas, share time with friends and family, or even face their own fears and insecurities.
While filler episodes don’t always have the same dramatic tension as the main episodes, it doesn’t detract from them. Often, these episodes are an emotional palette that adds depth to the characters., allowing us to appreciate not only their moments of glory, but also their most personal struggles and dreams. These more “normal” experiences make the characters more accessible, more real, and are likely to enrich your experience as a fan.
So are filler episodes in anime worth it?
Here comes the verdict: don’t look down on filler episodes. They could offer you unforgettable moments and new perspectives on your favorite characters. Plus, they give you a chance to take a break from the frenetic pace of the main plot.
We could say that watching filler episodes in ‘Naruto’ or ‘One Piece’ is like leafing through the forgotten pages of an intimate diary. They offer secondary narratives that, while they may seem less exciting initially, add texture and emotion to the characters’ overall journey. They are chapters that invite you to stay a little longer in their worlds, to get to know them more deeply.
So, the next time you’re faced with a list of “must see” episodes, think twice before hitting the skip button.
