Fillers: Waste Of Time?

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

I recently decided to watch the Naruto series from the beginning in order to advance my knowledge in terms of the characters and plot, and so most of my time has been devoted to doing just that; I started on December 31st of last year, and a month and a half later, I'm currently at Episode 130 of Shippuden (For those who read the chapters rather than watch the Anime, it's around the time Jiraiya begins his fight with Pain). I've seen everything leading up to this episode, including all the fillers, movies, and OVAs, so I think now is the best time to start this thread.

Fillers:

I'm well aware of how tedious and drawn out fillers can be, and I'm sure the majority of you could care less for them. They're long, dull, and most importantly, don't impact the plot in any significant way. And I'll be honest; during Part I of the series, I couldn't stand having to go through them all, despite knowing that the creators were working on Shippuden at the time, and were just 'buying time' for the manga to get ahead, so to speak. However, in Part II the fillers started getting more interesting and few of them did in fact have an impact on the plot, albeit small, exclusive ones. A few examples include:

Part I: Land Of Tea Arc:
- Episodes 102-106

Synopsis:
Naruto and Team 7 go to the Land of Tea to help Idate Morino win a race.
- Narutopedia

Probably not your ideal way of spending 2 hours; however, this was just about the only filler in Part I of the series that played an exclusive role in progression of the original plot - Naruto's defeat of Aoi (the main antagonist of the arc), who Sasuke failed to defeat, could be seen as adding on to his jealousy over Naruto's growth (showcased in his defeat of Gaara, who Sasuke also failed to defeat, and his observation of the damage Naruto's Rasengan was capable of after Kakashi sent both of their attacks into the water towers). This event, while exclusive, made Sasuke all the more desperate to obtain power, which soon led to his defection from Konoha.

Part II: Hunt for the Three-Tails Arc
- Episodes 89-112

Synopsis:
Deals with the efforts of Akatsuki, Konoha, and Team Guren to capture the Three-Tails.
- Narutopedia

The best filler I've seen soo far, in my opinion. Despite it only being a filler, there were quite a few additions that made it worthwhile:

1. Introduction of Crystal Release:
While only being an Anime/Filler Exclusive kekkai genkai, it was pretty dope; I actually wished they'd included it in the main series.

2. Naruto's Collaboration Jutsu:
I'm not a fan of the Manga, so I don't read it very often; therefore, I'm not sure if Naruto's collaboration jutsu was ever shown within the Chapters. however, in this filler he shows three new techniques with Gamakichi & Gamatatsu:

- Wind Release: Toad Oil Bullet [W/Gamatatsu]
- Wind Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet [W/Gamakichi]
- Wind Release: Toad Gun [W/Gamatasu]

3. Sasuke's Training:
Quite a few of the episodes contain shots of Sasuke training with Chidori & the Cursed Seal, and while they weren't particularly long screentime-wise, it does signify that Sasuke did in fact, train for the power he possessed; he didn't simply 'instantly get stronger without having to do anything' - as some users on the Base would like to believe.

I've gone through all of this to say that while fillers are overbearing at times, there are instances where they can provide some insight into the plot, even if its exclusively - but then again, it's only a filler. In addition, they add a more dimensional aspect to the show as a whole, by giving a more in depth understanding of the other characters, which makes it that much more effective as an Anime series. I don't know about the rest of you who watch the Anime and skip the fillers, movies and OVAs, but I'd feel pretty incomplete once the series ends (which it inevitably will), knowing I haven't seen everything that Kishimoto offered within the Anime, whether it was a filler or OVA - But that's just me though. That being said, I'm interested to hear your opinions regarding why you either watch/don't watch fillers, and what you think of them as well.

 

[zabuzamistboy]

The reason why fillers are made is so that the
author can spend more time on the plot and
actually tediously put forth into the story.

 

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

The reason why fillers are made is so that the
author can spend more time on the plot and
actually tediously put forth into the story.

Yeah, I'm aware of that. I'm just interested in the reasons some users on the Base may or may not watch them (if the answer wasn't in the poll options).

 

[Bijuu13]

there ok to me, as long as theres a good fight in them i dont mind at all

 

[Viewtiful]

They keep the anime from passing the manga, or rather from having the chance to do so.

 

[scottyy]

i agree i dont mind watching fillers that has a story behind it like the utakata filler......i hate it wen they are random episodes that are flashbacks

 

[EliteKakashi]

Fillers are a must. Otherwise they'd have to drastically slow down their episode release pattern. Eventually they'd catch up to the manga(hell, it's not too far off right now), and I'm going to assume that it takes a good while to do all the voice acting and animation for these episodes, and they can't release an episode along with the manga each week.

Do I think they suck? Yes, most of them do. I think the anime as a whole is bad. But it's necessary, so it's something anime fans must deal with.

 

[kuramaitachdara]

I think many of them, in Part 1 especially, where a little boring and pointless. Some had some good story and maybe showed us some characters more closely making us like them or understand them more. So some of them are good.
Good ones are those that show us some significant info like the capturing of the three tails. It makes Naruto less linear and gives it more dimensionality which in fact fills up our picture of Narutoverse. (a really good example was indeed the capturing of three tails but there were more)

Some people just put "FILLERS" all together which doesn't make sense to me, especially that manga is being made every week and is short so info there must contain just the most important elements so that people actually read and await it. Those are the loopholes that fillers FILL. as i said above it give Narutoverse more dimensionality.
Also let's consider that fillers now will be more interesting since they will probably be the fights Manga has skipped (Edo tensei and such). So filler haters ur not real fans of the series because you don't wanna get Naruto, u just want plain action like freakin Dragon ball. Naruto is far more complex and deep and to show it, and for us to get the better vision of it, fillers are created.

Fillerhaters: We'll see what you say about war fillers. If u still will be saying fillers are shit then ur just kids who are not real fans of the series.

 

[Mayhem]

I only watch some of them.

 

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

there ok to me, as long as theres a good fight in them i dont mind at all

Cool. I'm guessing you prefer the fillers from Part II then; there's more comedy in the Part I fillers than serious fighting, I think.

They keep the anime from passing the manga, or rather from having the chance to do so.

^ Aha, yeah, I know.

i agree i dont mind watching fillers that has a story behind it like the utakata filler......i hate it wen they are random episodes that are flashbacks

Oh, I haven't seen that one yet (still on episode 130 of Shippuden), but I remember it being another good filler. But some flashbacks are interesting, I must admit (i.e. Jiraiya/Orochimaru/Tsunade's background history).

Fillers are a must. Otherwise they'd have to drastically slow down their episode release pattern. Eventually they'd catch up to the manga(hell, it's not too far off right now), and I'm going to assume that it takes a good while to do all the voice acting and animation for these episodes, and they can't release an episode along with the manga each week.

Agreed. I'm assuming there's quite a long filler arc coming up soon in the Anime, seeing as they're already on the borders of starting the Shinobi War Arc.

Do I think they suck? Yes, most of them do. I think the anime as a whole is bad. But it's necessary, so it's something anime fans must deal with.

Oh? Why do you think the Anime as a whole is bad? I personally prefer it to the Manga; especially in terms of fighting scenes; I don't know if it's just me, but at times its quite difficult to interpret what's happening during fights in the manga when everything is black and white, lol.

 

[zabuzamistboy]

Yeah, I'm aware of that. I'm just interested in the reasons some users on the Base may or may not watch them (if the answer wasn't in the poll options).

Oh-okay haha
Well I watch 'em cause I really love the
show no matter what and I tend to like
the fillers anyways lol

 

[mcchikeneater]

Some of the fillers were tedious to watch, but I watched every single episode of the anime and still watch every episode as they come out just because I dont want to miss anything.

I was going to say something else but I just farted and it smells really bad and made me forget what I wanted to say.

 

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

I think many of them, in Part 1 especially, where a little boring and pointless. Some had some good story and maybe showed us some characters more closely making us like them or understand them more. So some of them are good.
Good ones are those that show us some significant info like the capturing of the three tails. It makes Naruto less linear and gives it more dimensionality which in fact fills up our picture of Narutoverse. (a really good example was indeed the capturing of three tails but there were more)

Some people just put "FILLERS" all together which doesn't make sense to me, especially that manga is being made every week and is short so info there must contain just the most important elements so that people actually read and await it. Those are the loopholes that fillers FILL. as i said above it give Narutoverse more dimensionality.
Also let's consider that fillers now will be more interesting since they will probably be the fights Manga has skipped (Edo tensei and such). So filler haters ur not real fans of the series because you don't wanna get Naruto, u just want plain action like freakin Dragon ball. Naruto is far more complex and deep and to show it, and for us to get the better vision of it, fillers are created.

Fillerhaters: We'll see what you say about war fillers. If u still will be saying fillers are shit then ur just kids who are not real fans of the series.

^ Agreed, On All Of Your Points; Thanks For Elaborating.

+Rep

I only watch some of them.

Ah, The Interesting Ones, I'm Guessing?

Oh-okay haha
Well I watch 'em cause I really love the
show no matter what and I tend to like
the fillers anyways lol

Cool. Not Trying To Downplay Those Who Watch The Anime And Skip The Fillers/Movies/OVAs, But If The Show Is Really Important To You, You'd Watch Everything Offered, Whether The Episodes Were Boring Or Not. At Least I Think That's What Being A True Fan Insinuates.

Some of the fillers were tedious to watch, but I watched every single episode of the anime and still watch every episode as they come out just because I dont want to miss anything.

I was going to say something else but I just farted and it smells really bad and made me forget what I wanted to say.

Thanks. I'm The Same Way, Lol. I Have To Watch Everything.

 

[Prince Charles]

i despise fillers with a passion but they are a must. i just wish that would make a filler about something useful. why not make a fillers about tobirama or kagam uchia? why not show us some of obito's childhood or show us some white fang atleast not bs. why not show us some back ground on some family background like the uzumaki clan or something?

 

[kmrasengan]

there ok to me, as long as theres a good fight in them i dont mind at all

yeah, like me. if i like the fillers i watch them, but if they're boring just forget it

 

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

i despise fillers with a passion but they are a must. i just wish that would make a filler about something useful. why not make a fillers about tobirama or kagam uchia? why not show us some of obito's childhood or show us some white fang atleast not bs. why not show us some back ground on some family background like the uzumaki clan or something?

Lol. I've Also Wished For This - But Most Likely Stories About Tobirama And Others Will Only Be Flashbacks Within The Main Series. I Don't Recall Kishimoto Ever Doing An Entire Filler Based On A Character's Past, Unfortunately. So, If He's Kind Enough To Show Us Some Of The Epic Fights From Past Shinobi, I Imagine They'll Be In Flashbacks.

yeah, like me. if i like the fillers i watch them, but if they're boring just forget it

Makes Sense.

 

[EliteKakashi]

Oh? Why do you think the Anime as a whole is bad? I personally prefer it to the Manga; especially in terms of fighting scenes; I don't know if it's just me, but at times its quite difficult to interpret what's happening during fights in the manga when everything is black and white, lol.

There's multiple reasons. One reason being the animation is SO inconsistent. Some episodes it'll look nice, then there's others that look absolutely pitiful(the Pain Attacking Konoha Arc or w/e you want to call it being a perfect example). Which really confuses me, just using the Pain example..him attacking konoha was animated terribly in most parts, but his fight vs Jiraiya was epically done and is one of the very few fights I actually think the anime did justice for.

The other "big" reason would be the fillers. I can't stand most of them. I did kind of enjoy the filler arc that came right before they switched to Shippuden. Something like Ultimate Weapon Arc or whatever..it involved Gaara mostly. But that's about the only one I've ever actually enjoyed, and even then, it wasn't exactly amazing.

And lastly the manga seems to make the series more "intense" for lack of better words. The anime takes a much more light-hearted approach to the series. Very few times have they ever been able to match the intensity of the manga(Jiraiya vs Pain being one of those few times).

I think a big thing with disliking the fillers is you KNOW nothing bad can ever happen to any of the characters(by bad I mean death or serious injury). They're always going to make it back perfectly fine, so it kinda ruins any suspense in the battles. The worst they can do is leave the fight exhausted, really.

 

[Sasuk3Uchiha]

There's multiple reasons. One reason being the animation is SO inconsistent. Some episodes it'll look nice, then there's others that look absolutely pitiful(the Pain Attacking Konoha Arc or w/e you want to call it being a perfect example). Which really confuses me, just using the Pain example..him attacking konoha was animated terribly in most parts, but his fight vs Jiraiya was epically done and is one of the very few fights I actually think the anime did justice for.

The other "big" reason would be the fillers. I can't stand most of them. I did kind of enjoy the filler arc that came right before they switched to Shippuden. Something like Ultimate Weapon Arc or whatever..it involved Gaara mostly. But that's about the only one I've ever actually enjoyed, and even then, it wasn't exactly amazing.

And lastly the manga seems to make the series more "intense" for lack of better words. The anime takes a much more light-hearted approach to the series. Very few times have they ever been able to match the intensity of the manga(Jiraiya vs Pain being one of those few times).

I think a big thing with disliking the fillers is you KNOW nothing bad can ever happen to any of the characters(by bad I mean death or serious injury). They're always going to make it back perfectly fine, so it kinda ruins any suspense in the battles. The worst they can do is leave the fight exhausted, really.

This Is The Second Time I've Heard That Pain's Invasion Of Konoha Was Portrayed Better In The Manga Than The Anime - How So Exactly? Like Were There Scenes That Weren't Included In The Anime Or Something Along Those Lines? I Will Admit That Some Parts Of The Invasion Of Konoha Arc Were Rather Off (i.e. 6-Tailed Naruto Banging Pain Into The Ground With A Slab Of Rock In A Manner Similar To Banging A Nail Into The Wood With A Hammer) So What Exactly Is It About The Manga That Makes It More 'Intense'? I've Read A Few Chapters Before, But I Just Can't Seem To Get Into It, So I Know I Must Be Overlooking Something.

The Fillers Are Fair Game: You'll Like Some, And Hate Others, So I Won't Push Further On This. And Yeah, That Was The Ultimate Weapon Arc, Which Was Interesting. I Will Say That The Fillers From Part I Were Completely Boring - Aside From The One You Mentioned.

In Terms Of Your Last Point, I Agree. It Does Take Away From The Suspense, Since You Know The Main Characters Won't Suffer Any Serious Losses. But While They Are Only Fillers, They Do Add A Degree Of Depth To The Series, By Focusing On Some Of The Other Characters And Sometimes Providing A Background To Their Life Stories. So, In That Sense, They're Okay. In Everything Else, I Agree With Your Points.

 

[Doctor G]

I use to watch fillers but the latest ones sucked...bad. So i stopped midway. I guess i dont mind fillers with a progressing story like the three tailed beast one etc. But i really dislike the random fillers such as the latest ones.

 

[solarflare012]

I watch a few from time to time. But none of the sea business that's been dragging on forever..