monkeyskin OP t1_j1nuk8h wrote on December 25, 2022 at 11:17 PM

Reply to comment by IAmTheClayman in How do you define filler? by monkeyskin

Avatar’s a great show to highlight. Very serialised in that there is an overall three act structure to the story told, but it still made plenty of time for episodes that didn’t really move the story forward (or had 1 key Zuko scene at most).

Tales of Ba Sing Se, Sokka’s Master, Zuko Alone, the blood bender ep are all great episides that would be cut from a Netflix version for being filler, but they all contain vital character moments that carry through the show. They deepen the series rather than keeping the plot moving and only having time for surface level characterisation.

I guess ultimately i see people use filler as a pejorative, when those eps can be among the most rewarding for long time viewers. The interrogation episode of Brooklyn 99 with just Jake, Holt and an excellent guest star foil could not have worked early in a short season show, but is an amazing half hour deep into the shows run.

IAmTheClayman t1_j1nv1q0 wrote on December 25, 2022 at 11:21 PM

I love that episode! But I think that’s an example of an episode that comes off as filler, but is actually critical to Jake and Holt’s relationship when you really stop and analyze it

monkeyskin OP t1_j1nwycp wrote on December 25, 2022 at 11:37 PM

Totally agree. All these memorable, fan favourite episodes that people act as an interruption to their binge.

I don’t mean to sound too bent out of shape over it. I just don’t get the attitude and hope show creators don’t take it as an absolute.

MulciberTenebras t1_j1o3637 wrote on December 26, 2022 at 12:29 AM

One of the downsides of The Legend of Korra having shorter seasons (thanks to Nickelodeon ineptitude) was there were no "filler" episodes to show more character moments with the new cast.

They never got a "Tales of Republic City" or a "Ember Island Players" style episode... they got a damned clip show becuase Nick cut the final season's budget and said either make it or have one less episode (and a cut in staff pay).

ABashfulTurnip t1_j1ow43w wrote on December 26, 2022 at 4:58 AM

See I'd disagree that these episodes are filler as they contain important character moments and situations even if they aren't wall to wall plot development. Sokka's Master he not only gets an amazing sword and trains properly to realise his own ability, but the others also realise his worth by the simple fact he isn't around to help them on their journey.

The Blood Bender episode gives Katara a whole new technique that she does use on occasion in later episodes.

Even the Ember Island players episode forces the characters to make realisations about their fate and what's coming in the future.

To me Filler is separate to just slower "Casual" episodes because it must fit inside a neat little box and not effect the rest of the story. It's most evident in Anime as it means that new characters must disappear by the end and no new techniques or information can be found that would affect the future plot. it literally "Fills" a gap but must contain no substance.

monkeyskin OP t1_j1p4t5w wrote on December 26, 2022 at 6:39 AM

I no I agree with you, can see that my comment was not written as I intended. I don’t think those eps are filler, they’re very important to the characters and their subsequent actions, but if this were a trimmed down 10 episode season they’d be the first to get cut because they would be wrongly viewed as filler as they don’t focus on the overall plot. Which would be a massive loss to the show.