The balance of canon and filler for Bleach: Is 45% a high number for an anime series?
Filler episodes, one of the most widely debated aspects of anime series, are a cause of both frustration and unexpected delight for fans.
While some believe that these episodes divert from the original storyline and dilute the overall plot, others consider them a means of developing characters and exploring new storylines, a break from the intensity of the main narrative.
A great example to analyze this concept is the iconic series Bleach.
Understanding Filler Content in Anime
Before we dive into Bleach, it is important to understand the concept of filler content. Filler episodes are anime-original content that typically doesn’t exist in the manga source material.
These episodes serve several purposes, such as providing additional character development or world-building, allowing the anime production team to take a creative break, or simply preventing the anime from overtaking the manga in terms of the storyline. The debate around these fillers can be divisive, and Bleach sits at the center of this controversy.
How many filler episodes are in Bleach?
Bleach, with 366 episodes, has a filler content amounting to nearly 45 percent. With 164 of its episodes being filler, Bleach holds a reputation for having one of the highest filler percentages among major anime series.
This includes four major filler arcs and several mini-arcs and standalone episodes.
Exploring the Major Filler Arcs
The major filler arcs in Bleach include the Bounts arc, the New Captain Shusuke Amagai arc, the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales arc, and the Gotei 13 Invading arc.
The Bounts arc introduces beings known as Bounts, immortal entities who consume souls, akin to vampires. Each Bount controls a sentient being known as a Doll, serving as both a partner and weapon. The arc’s narrative and character complexity, coupled with its fresh concept, makes it an enjoyable part of the series despite being filler.
The New Captain Shusuke Amagai arc features the titular character’s struggle against a conspiracy involving one of the noble clans in the Soul Society, the Kasumioji. The introduction of a new type of weapon, the Bakkoto, adds a distinct flavor to this arc.
The Zanpakuto Unknown Tales arc revolves around the rebellion of Zanpakuto spirits against their Soul Reaper masters. While this arc has the potential to offer a refreshing perspective on the Soul Reapers’ weapons, it is let down by an over-reliance on previous elements, leading to a lack of originality in the unfolding events.
Lastly, the Gotei 13 Invading arc introduces a clone-based enemy, the Reigai, leading to a plot that contradicts previously established facts, notably Ichigo’s supposed loss of his Soul Reaper powers.
The Impact of Fillers on Bleach
The high volume of filler content in Bleach has given rise to mixed responses from fans. While the filler arcs add new dimensions to the world of Bleach, their inconsistent quality and occasionally awkward integration into the main narrative often result in a disjointed viewing experience. That said, some arcs and standalone episodes do offer lighter, often comedic moments that provide a welcome relief from the intensity of the series’ primary plot.
Filler Content: A Necessary Evil?
Despite the contentiousness around filler content, it must be acknowledged that the creation of these episodes often arises from necessity rather than a desire to divert from the original narrative. The option of a long hiatus between seasons to allow the manga to pull ahead might seem more disruptive to fans than periodic filler episodes.
Moreover, some of Bleach‘s filler content has proven enjoyable and even contributed positively to the overall series. So, rather than considering these episodes a redundancy, they should be seen as an alternate opportunity to expand upon the series’ universe.
The Future of Fillers in Bleach
With the upcoming continuation of the anime, speculation is rife regarding the incorporation of filler content. Since Tite Kubo finished the manga years ago, the anime adaptation has the freedom to choose how and when to incorporate fillers. Rumors suggest potential adaptations of Bleach light novels, blurring the lines between what constitutes canon content and filler. Only time will tell what direction the anime will take.
While the significant amount of filler in Bleach has been a point of contention for fans, it’s undeniable that some of these episodes have enriched the series in their unique ways. The debate around filler content remains a crucial part of the anime discourse, one that continues to shape viewer perceptions and expectations for series like Bleach.