The Misunderstood GENIUS of "Filler" - Avatar The Last Airbender

[@nikitendo6653]

Watching filler episodes ❌ Watching 33 minutes discussing filler episodes ✅

[@Koroto]

Based

[@ethanteamflame]

W

[@Ranchy-Randy]

Fillerception

[@justinn8541akaDrPokemon]

The only bad filler are those that don't add any to the characters or substance to the world.

[@pn2294]

But that’s what filler is

[@pinknaccount2188]

@@pn2294 Uh no. Fillers are just well, "fillers." As the name suggests it just fills a certain gap. That gap makes the flow of the plot natural.

[@indigorune]

@@pinknaccount2188 filler literally is content that doesn't add to the plot or character development. by definition that is what it is.

[@lunayen]

​@pinknaccount2188 No, it's not. Fillers are meant to be the moments between the plot, a deviation from it. It's like you taking a walk in the park. Your journey from the entrance to the bench near the fountain is the plot. You straying from the path every once in a while to study a flower or chase after a butterfly are the fillers. Neither of those things add to the story but they make the story whole.

[@il3fortunato664]

​@@lunayen So, Naruto's fillers, Dragon Ball's fillers, etc... are in reality good? Are you sure about that?

[@Millenimorphose]

When I watched Fallout after watching Netflix Avatar, I was just so happy that they *let the show breathe* and let the mysteries unravel naturally. And watching a well-made show made me acutely aware of how much Netflix Avatar was missing.

[@LuisSierra42]

While I appreciated Fallout took its time sometimes, I also wanted more of those moments. A lot of the games is wandering around aimlessly until you run into some shady business but I understand why they made it like this

[@etienne8110]

I m honestly surprised by Fallout. It s not as bad as i feared. Whereas netflix avatar was even worse than i feared 😅

[@matheussanthiago9685]

I was SO surprised when the first half of Across the Spiderverse took it's goddang sweet time to allow the story unfold Sure it's a movie, and a kid's one at that (not derogatory) But in the age of trolls/ hotel transylvania/ tiktok brain rot induced kid's movies ATSV felt like a Scorsese

[@henriquenem]

Naruto is like 70% of the reason people hate fillers so much today

[@maleekharrison3060]

It and the bount arc from bleach

[@pn2294]

Which is dumb because it does actually add to the story and world building

[@bdf1006]

@@pn2294 In a way it does the opposite because Naruto filler introduces techniques or lore that is useful or interesting but because it isn't canon it won't show up again. This would lead to someone simply watching the show to get disappointed when plot points or techniques that should return don't.

[@pn2294]

@@bdf1006 The same can be said about the canon fights in the series The Sasuke Retrieval arc is particularly egregious to me because you could cut out the Sound Five entirely and not lose anything

[@hardlo7146]

The Big Three (or big two cause do Bleach fans even exist?) are to blame. One Piece probably has more filler than Naruto

[@clayongunzelle9555]

I've been saying this ever since the Netflix live action came out, those side quests and misadventures are what made us learn the most about the characters. Without those adventures by the time we get to the end we don't really know the characters that much.

[@jagnestormskull3178]

And even when they do adapt the "side quests" (such as Kyoshi), they rid them of all character development.

[@princembat]

i couldnt even finish episode 2 because it felt so empty lol, the main 3 basically didnt talk at the south pole, but by the time they were flying away on appa they were like 'i need to go with my friend!', not to mention in the cartoon the kids grandma said like 1-2 lines, but for some reason she was getting every line in the live action. bro stop making kanna talk and make the main characters talk wth by the time they got to kyoshi i was beyond bored, so i just clicked off. ive been rewatching the cartoon the past few days and dude its night and day lol

[@michaellane5381]

Honestly what i never understand is why they skip so much claiming poverty and then edit the plot out of compliance.. I would be fine if they decided they can't visit BCD if they kept faithful to E and maybe added new side adventure C2 because ultimately we could tell friends to then watch animated episodes for more backstory, but when they cut pretty much every Aang x Katara scene and don't even leave enough for Zutara stans or enough character for Katara fans we basically have to tell people to avoid the Live action and go original when new content like Zuko's crew does actually work in the animation narrative.

[@jagnestormskull3178]

@@michaellane5381 And speaking of original scenes, all the stuff with Ozai, Azula, and Azula's therapy bots I mean friends. If they hadn't wasted so much time in the Fire Nation, they could have actually told stories about the main characters!

[@michaellane5381]

@@jagnestormskull3178 actually that was my point: if you want to adapt but not do 1 to 1, do stories of side characters learning similar lessons in other places and leave stories you cannot adapt faithfully completely out of it... That way references can be fully made: "well from the animation we know this happened... But the L/A shows this also happened".

[@commodorezero]

Part of the issue is because of anime people are walking around with 2 different definitions of filler. Some people think filler is non canon semi crack episodes and others think filler is episodes that don't advance the plot. These are 2 fundamentally different things.

[@achimdemus-holzhaeuser1233]

I think you need to define which filler you mean, like the Author did here. Do you want to fill out the Story or do you want to fill out playtime. one is positive for the audience, the other is positive for the producer making a product to make money.

[@zombeevee5483]

I've been making my older sister watch Avatar for the first time. She's never watched a cartoon in her life, solely likes live action and horror. But I wanted her to see the original if she ever decided to watch the remake, so I managed to talk her into it and figured I would just show her a few highlight episodes to get the gist of it. Slowly she's been starting to absolutely love and get invested in it. One episode I decided not to skip had the scene where Toph and Iroh meet and have their brief talk. She has mentioned that moment numerous times about how much she liked it, and I was this close to skipping it, thank God I didn't! Now in season 3 she's completely invested, just as I had hoped! Those small moments matter so much.

[@tradeka4206]

I think the Netflix show is the perfect example of why the filler in avatar is so good and so necessary. That show cut out pretty much everything that could be considered filler and even though it had about the same run time (I think it was actually even longer) as the first season of the original, it all felt too fast and like we didn’t have enough time to get to know the characters. In these filler episodes we get to see more of the characters’ personalities and have their relationships be fleshed out. Without that it wouldn’t be the same show

[@DragonElixion]

This video is exactly what I only have a couple of sentences to explain to people what I mean when I say there's no "filler" in Avatar. Every single episode adds something, even if it's just a background world building pillar or the beginning of a character development that is later continued or intensified.

[@sooyster4033]

"The Headband" is my FAVORITE episode in the whole series.

[@TheJadedJames]

Once I watched Netflix ATLA, I just knew Book 3 is going to get butchered so hard because outside of Black Sun & Sozin’s Comet it is all side quests & the Netflix writers aren’t going to be able to handle that at all

[@sooyster4033]

@@TheJadedJames I've only heard negative feedback about the Netflix version and I don't even want to watch it at this point.

[@Hunter_6601]

@@sooyster4033the whole time watching you are just gonna notice all the good things missing

[@crazydutchman7094]

​@@sooyster4033Netflix avatar did pretty well. I liked it and yes it can be better yes it's a bit different but I've seen a ton of people who liked it and besides I never listen to people that only complain a lot I watched for myself if I like it I like it if I don't I don't simple

[@Trollestiatumblur]

Aang doesn’t even learn water bending, and Katara doesn’t have a personality outside of “girl”. Sokka isn’t sexist and has major daddy issues because his dad doesn’t like that he invents things (which is such an AMAZING quality of a leader so wtf?). Suki is weird and obsessive over Sokka because he… exists? Yue can waterbend and called off her own engagement and turns into a damn fox. And don’t even get me started on Azula just being an angsty teenager that doesn’t have her blue fire, instead of the manipulative, cunning and calculating prodigy she is. Mai and Tylee are just… ugh. And I just touched on SOME issues with SOME of the characters alone. I could go on, but what exactly is there to like about the live action…?

[@Blastronaute]

I think the Netflix adaptation really made it clear that the actual plot of Avatar is probably the least compelling part of the package. Avatar's main selling points are the concept/magic system being super cool and interesting to explore and the characters being likeable and having strong character arcs. Aang having to learn all four elements and defeat the fire lord is just the vehicle for everything else to happen. Almost every plot point is there to either show off bending in a new way (or at least a cool way) or add depth to one or more characters. This isn't to say that the plot isn't good, just that it did its job and knew when to take a backseat to the other stuff. That being said, I despite the streaming model of shows with the philosophy of "tell the story in as little time as possible". I think this style flew under the radar before because there wasn't source material for things like stranger things.

[@ohkaygoplay]

Leaves from the Vine had me bawling like a baby. Filler is necessary if you want your readers or viewers to care about what happens to your characters. They need to know who they are, get invested, spend time with them outside of the main plot, and see their vulnerabilities as well as strengths. Without this human connection creating empathy and sympathy, you get... Well, you get the MCU, basically. Don't get me wrong, it has it's moving moments and small moments, but LOOK AT IT. Knowing the little seemingly inconsequential things helps us care. If we care, we stay. Bring it inward to make it bigger. This is a cardinal rule I stand by learned many years ago. And if you think you have too much filler, separate them into stand-alones that may or may not have ties to the main story. The extra bits.

[@sth02]

And this is what Netflix didn't get. All that "filler" exists to add to the story and the world. Makes it feel real.

[@Rukalin]

I've seen people complain about filler cases in the Ace Attorney games but I prefer when the games have them. It breaks up the pace a little, gives some variety.

[@alexandergilles8583]

1:23 - 1:42 Interesting, I've never once heard of filler used in that context

[@indigorune]

me either. and even if it is a suitable definition, it doesn't apply to ATLA since it isn't an anime nor is it based on a manga.

[@krausercruz2780]

Your example of "mf when they say the show talks too much" reminded me of a revelation i had last year about Naruto Shippuden. For years my main problem with Shippuden is that they "talked too much", i kept that idea from when it came out and the many times i tried to rewatch it. Then I watched Grappler Baki last year and it all clicked, and ill use a general example: *Shippuden* : Fires a Large fire style attack, characters pause mid fight. "I have heard of this technique from ancient Mountain Ninjas" "Yes if it hit you it would have burned you to cinders" "Hmm yes that fire would have burned me quite bad" Maybe have some pictures to explain the move's lore with shots between the characters. *Baki* : Enemy throws a pretty strong straight punch, with wind effect to signify how powerful it was. "That punch felt different" "Yes it was crafted by the sweat of my ancestors through decades of training" "The famous Dragon Killer Fist" *Cuts to a montage on a more dramatic art style* TWO HUNDRED YEARS IN THE PAST, WHERE MAN HAD NO TECHNOLOGY THEY HAD TO SURVIVE BY REFINING THEIR BODIES LIKE WE WOULD DO SHARPENING A BLADE, FIST SO FIERCE THAT THE WIND ITSELF BOWS DOWN TO ITS UNHOLY MIGHT See the difference? They are both stopping the fight to talk about something but Baki does it in such a dramatic way, with such confidence and energy that it sucks you in. Even when Shippuden pulls you back to explain lore and such it usually feels more like an explanation, like a teacher telling you about physics while you read the book about it. Even when explaining relatively simple moves Baki always explains things with such energy that you can help but me charmed by it. Its not exposition, your being told a story with emotion and reverense it deserves. Watch/Read grappler Baki if you havent, its quite the trip.

[@ThePi314Man]

I personally think it's a testament to how good the show is that my very first episode was The Great Divide. Even in just that episode, I was clearly informed on the main characters, their relationships, the main plot of the fire nation being an imperial war machine, aang's responsibility as the avatar, what the avatar is, the magic system of bending and how it works, the effects of the war on peoples and their homes, the worldbuilding, the strange hybrid animals, and so much more. I was invested from that moment on, and only to find that the rest of the show was even more amazing and entertaining than I could have anticipated. I was introduced with the worst episode in the series and I still loved it enough to indulge the whole show. That is a level of quality that's a once in a generation occurrence.

[@regrettablemuffin9186]

Filler episodes in most shows are usually my favourite. I don’t care that much about the plot, I care about the characters and “filler” episodes are the ones that let me really get to know the characters

[@Uncleharkinian]

I watched the 3books in 4 days and I had a hard time identifying filler episodes, filler story lines in a episode, sure, but there was always some sort of important information for the main story or the side plots, or character growth and relationship growths! You can skip entire episodes of Naruto but skipping an episode of ATLA will leave a hole, no matter how small. Even the two episodes on ember island have value, the conversation Azula Zuko mei and Ty lee have around the fire, or aaang and katara on the balcony during intermission, that stuff is important some what important to various ongoing plot points

[@clayongunzelle9555]

Idk who edits your videos but the use of the guy writing fire is perfectly done

[@divorcecourtdave]

If you really wanna talk about bad filler until the end of time. Try Naruto, you’ll have content until you die……..

[@KIXWASHERE]

I remember the "Infinite Tsukuyomi" bs Madara put us threw....

[@TripleExposurePhoto]

Great video as always! And thanks for correcting peoples misconceptions of "filler" very well explained.

[@5BBassist4Christ]

In my own writings, I'm finding myself wrestling with these pacing concepts of wanting to add more character moments VS spectacle. Sometimes I want to see how my MC played with his friends as a kid. Sometimes I want my cast of characters sitting around the dinner table bantering back and forth. Sometimes I want to explore what a typical work day looks like in this world I'm creating. Sometimes I want characters to have formal debates about their individual worldviews, or a character asking his friends for advice on pursuing a girl. How can we show the connection a character has with his sword, or his gun, or his guitar, or his car? These things make our characters feel alive like actual people. It is a tricky balance, however, as you risk boring your audience. But how do you find that balance? If you write a slow-paced story to make room for deep character and world-building, is it bad if you audience has too short of an attention span because of how society has conditioned them?

[@boobailey4509]

I think it’s important to note that just because many media giants currently think humans have the attention spans of goldfish, that has been shown throughout history to not be true. Think of all the “classics” in any media form; the majority are on the longer side. It’s a trend to have everything be 10 seconds long today, and because that’s what’s new, it’s what we consume. But just because a person who only has access to fish eats only fish, it doesn’t mean they love fish. Don’t be afraid to create long form content in the modern age; the fish-eaters will be relieved to have something different to consume.

[@namelessnavnls8060]

I love how the term "filler" has been misunderstood and developed its own meaning which people kinda just.. assumed to be the correct one. And what's funny is that without these "filler" episodes, people who don't like filler will still gripe about how we didn't get enough development for all kinds of things. Remove the episodes where we see that that aren't fully and entirely necessary to progress the plot, and you lose a lot of world development. After all, ATLA is a story about a kid who has WAY too much responsibility dropped in his lap and everyone expects him to just _deal_ because the world is in trouble if he doesn't. A kid like Aang cannot and _would not_ believably just charge straight toward the objective at all times and never stop for a break in a city on the way. Hell, one episode even blatantly states this. Remember how Zuko says "He's clearly a master of evasive maneuvers" but it was literally just Aang bouncing between fun sightseeing locations? That gives continuous and clever context into _why_ the filler episodes are not only necessary, but integral to the character of our main character.

[@naturesfinest2408]

Essentially everything you said is why I dont like modern shows. Snap, edit, cut, snap, cut, action...bleh. slow...it...down...let...things...rest. I like and prefer slower, thoughtful shows. Not breaking my neck. And that meme about the friend not liking the talking, yeah, i know way too many of them. Its crazy to me that people want to *only* sit down to watch some action like thing with barely any depth. I cannot binge watch. Its a waste of a show, you cant contemplate things inbetween episodes and it gives you something to look forward too. Thats why i liked how the last of us was done. (Though i agree more filler wouldve been better) Even comercials i now see as "good" not advertisments like with youtube, commercials. This gave a break to talk about the story inbetween. Though i dont want that to return. I am just saying it allowed room the breath.

[@IcepickEvans]

I get so tired with the misuse of the term "filler". It is NOT when a work focuses on something other than it's plot. It is literally original content made for an adaptation. The point is to fill in space so the adaptation doesn't catch up to the original source material. It is, as far as I am aware, a strictly anime phenomenon, and even then an old phenomenon too, that affects anime adaptations of still ongoing manga. Like Dragonball, Naruto, Bleach, or One Piece. Just because a show puts it's plot on the backburner and forces it's characters to walk a canyon, DOESN'T MAKE IT FILLER.

[@indigorune]

it's not at all an anime phenomenon and has been used in tv for ages. by definition, it is content that does not develop the plot or the characters. the definition in the video and the one you gave i guess is correct when applied to anime specifically, but how does this have anything to do with ATLA? it is not an anime and is not based on a manga. so the traditional definition is more applicable. in which case, ATLA doesn't have filler. all it's episodes develop either character or plot in some way, EVEN the great divide.

[@oliveragag8576]

Filler exists outside of anime. You don't need an adaptation to have filler, you just need an episode that doesn't contribute to the main plot.

[@trejon-graceshopkinzmake5186]

It also applies to non-adaptation media when referring the episodes only made to fill an episode quota, or in a reaction to budget cuts the budget is put mostly into the most plot-relevant episodes while the other episodes are given simple plots where animation can be low-effort or straight up re-used (like all the “remember when…” episodes, or shows like Pokemon where most of the battle shots can be reused if you’re using the same Pokemon from another episode)

[@trejon-graceshopkinzmake5186]

@@oliveragag8576an episode isn’t filler just for not directly advancing the plot as long as it’s a story that fits well into the world and is a story the writers actually wanted to tell. Filler is extra episodes to fill an episode quota for a season or to wait until you’re catching up with the manga, or in Pokémon’s case extra episodes until the next game comes out if that region’s arc already ended (like with the decolore islands keeping the black & white anime running until the XY games actually came out)

[@rinatail7248]

Kiyoshi Island is a repeat location. The only one I can think of that didn't change in between the two times we saw it.

[@Not_mera]

The time we get to spend with the character doing low stakes things builds contrast with the high stakes things. The way the act when/when not stressed, etc. lets us see more of them

[@shonemery848]

thankyou, this video is the reason I can go back and finish watching the live action version Netflix Avatar. :) The original 3 books of Avatar the Last Airbender have been my favorite show since their premiere on Nickelodeon. but ptsd has been keeping me from being able to finish the netflx version... this just gave me a whole new perspective on the episodes like the great divide, the fortune teller, and even episodes that I hadn't considered as filler.... and for some reason Appas lost days and the tales of Ba Sing Se I had never considered until now I guess? lol but now I also know that being filler isn't bad (as long as Netflix doesn't cut them) wow we put a lot of weight on writers..... anyways.... I'm rambling again as I try to say thank-you for making it easier for a shut-it like me to want to watch his favorite show again.

[@kazinadbiralamadit6905]

The best thing about filler is the fact the fictional world can be built fleshed out & even character development can happen naturally. Most Streaming shows go for this the destination is the main reason to watch the show rather than the journey reaching to said destination, they expect shotgun blasting world building & development is what the audience wants when it's not the case really.

[@commonviewer2488]

Pacing is incredibly important. Live action One Piece cut a considerable amount of content, but the show itself still flows well at its own pacing, selling us on the most important thing on the Straw Hat crew: they vibe. They haven't known each other long, but they're already friends.

[@gwgwap]

opla is not that good of example bc one piece being long is very important to the development of its characters. They made very weird changes to the story and cut out important story elements.

[@deandredukes95]

Excellent informative video 🤯

[@yrbelite8450]

I’d say it’s gained the anime title. Took 2 decades but it earned it.

[@MegaLokopo]

Iroh clearly says he doesn't think he could defeat Ozai, no one has seen Iroh bend as much as Iroh has, I trust Iroh. He is pretty smart as well, so if he says he can't then he can't.

[@fam3871]

Another very good example of good "filler" is Zelda's Majora's Mask. Dealing with the impending fall of the moon might BE your goal but the characters in the side quests is what MOTIVATES you to do so.

[@trejon-graceshopkinzmake5186]

I think the traits of truly poor filler are: * doesn’t contribute anything to world building or character development * actively contradicts pre-established world-building or rules to push the episode’s forward * actively reverses character development and/or flandarizes characters in order to push the plot forward (often by having them learn the same lesson they already learned) * establishes concepts or has a character learn a special ability/technique that are/is never brought up again * has characters choose to take a nonsensical detour, especially if they are supposed to be in a rush * slightly altered version of a previous plot * recap episode that doesn’t do anything interesting with the concept

[@noahruiz9532]

I gave up on one piece when they started having 5 minutes long recaps and the slowest pacing ever and I got annoyed and bored and never understood why they would do that so thanks for explaining 🙏

[@elisabethcheesedragon]

The creators were really testing bingers’ emotional capacity when they put tales of ba sing se and appa’s lost days next to each other.

[@chelscara]

Appreciate you bringing up the hbo shows too. It has been very annoying to rely on 10 very tight episodes even when they’re done well. I still want more and have to rely on watching other people react to keep getting that more through conversations

[@memeyo42]

Here's the thing. I love the Avatar and One piece series, but I HATE, ther live action versions of them for many reasons. One piece's main reason is that I can't see the characters speaking any other voice or english than the original Japanese. But the other thing is what ATLA and One Piece has in common with the live actions: they are so bland. A great filler episode to me is when you learn more about the characters in their average day-to-day life and get more breathingroom to understand them deeper. Those "fillers" are what makes you getting hooked deeper into a new world you haven't seen before and therefor expanding the interest in details. Plus, as someone who has the diagnose of GAD, fillers is like the bandaid for my heart and brain where alot of action has made me emotionally tired and stressed, so when the filler comes, it gives me some room to breath which I love. However, a bad filler, is when the episode doesn't add anything to the story. If the episode is nothing more than a fishingtrip without us learning anything new about the characters or the world they live in. Than it's more of a time-killing episode. And that's why I hate the live action era we are in right now. Where they take an old story, change it a bit, and remake it into live action. Not only does that mess with my nostalgia, but it also gives me the impression that movie ideas has become so washed up, that they can't think of new stories anymore and therefor dust off some old material that they put on an operating table for a face-replacement. This gives me no saticfaction in watching it, because, why should I watch something, that I've already seen and loved, in a new remake? I rather rewatch the original serie in that case, than to watch a live action bullshit of it. And that's also something that makes me hate the remakes and series that are made today. Because of the research within fillers and seconds, they choose to make important emotional scenes shorter, so that the action can continue faster and keep the audiance in it. But for someone with G.A.D, I can't have it. For me to love something, I have to be able to feel what the characters feel, but if they brush those details away, it just looks like a dead football field to me.

[@fam3871]

Absolute W take and very well presented! I'm subscribing :D

[@sabbytheslothcat6663]

With Hazbin Hotel the #1 complaint was that it was “The plot is rushed” “not enough character development”! Some fail to understand that when Amazon Video gave them 8 episodes the team had to do what they could to still roll out the story! They masterfully integrated songs that easily explain a lot of things within the plot. I was genuinely impressed by what they were able to do with that limited amount of episodes! ❤ I love Avatar and this video was absolutely excellent. The commentary was entertaining and thought provoking! ✨

[@ChespinCraft]

I mean I completely recognize that it's due to the short episode count but that doesn't really negate the problem. It still was disappointing that we got like practically no time in Hazbin Hotel to actually attach ourselves and develop the characters naturally without having some main plot development pushed in. I really think they should have gone a different direction with the first season to make it more "slice of life"-y at the hotel and the plot they used in s1 should have been more along the lines of s2.

[@gentwhoisoverit6992]

Great video!!

[@makbule869]

I think the most important quality of filler episodes in Avatar the last airbender is that they serve as a tool to prevent time jumps. Most of the ATLA follows the characters day by day, at least this way, it feels like it.

[@kaspershaupt]

Filler is what you put in pillows. A pillow without filler is not a pillow just a pocket of cloth. “filler" is what gives character development. Look at what happened to Netflix show they cut out the "filler" and you don't have the same character development if any. I also think that there is no such thing as filler in fiction. Because you could argue that it's all filler, so even using the word is stupid IMO

[@monothephantom]

I give out my attention to those that are able to interest me, and I stick with it when they're willing to dedicate and put faith in their time. Seeing shows and videos and other media try and rush because they have no confidence in their own story to take their time sucks. I want to get invested and spend my time with it, I want to enjoy and get the chance to savor good media. Imo, the shift in attention shouldn't drive people to make things shorter, it should drive their quality up to be sure that their quality will hold your interest. Shorts is sickening to me and my attention span is miserable, but I love watching long form content or indulging in the most slow burn of stories. This overly rushed and high energy content with no room to breathe is boring. Those times in stories when we get a chance to breathe, or just observe little moments, its what truly builds characters. I'm tired of copy pasted big action movies with blank characters and mid jokes. I guess to an extent this is a preferential thing, but I think everyone can agree that more studios should aim for a higher quality and variety.

[@milesharrison2140]

Can we address that avatars filler is also stylistically ambitious. Zuko alone is literally a western just because.

[@indigorune]

ATLA doesn't have filler. if it develops the characters or plot, by definition it is not filler. every episode of this show added something to it. the definition of "filler" in this video is not correct in this context, as ATLA isn't an anime.

[@sea_yung]

the only widely regarded filler episode is great divide, but yea every other episode has meaning

[@pn2294]

ATLA doesn’t have filler because it’s not based on a manga; it has nothing to do with characters or plot

[@indigorune]

@@pn2294 that has literally nothing to do with filler. in tv, by definition, filler is content that does not contribute to the plot or character development. why are you bringing up manga at all? ATLA isn't even an anime. the video's definition of filler is not correct or applicable to ATLA.

[@peteryanes3413]

the great divide is one but shit one I hate

[@RonnieOP]

I didn't really watch the original Cartoon nor have I watched the Live-Action adaptation (or have any intention to) but my point is rather general in nature anyway, so here goes... Some "filler" or slower-paced scenes in general are often integral to character development, and adding depth to characters, which, in turn, leads to viewers getting invested in the characters. Thus, when those scenes are cut out, it leads to less investment into characters and thus viewers being less incentivised to keep watching. So, the overall runtime is cut even further to retain those who are watching. I think that's kinda a vicious cycle which then leads to some of the problems discussed within the video.

[@zephiask1758]

I feel like the Animated Series is about the Story of Team Avatar (therefor every member in it and their journy) while the irl adaption is just about the "legend of aang"

[@davinwilliams3130]

The main way I define filler anything that doesn't progress the plot, characters, or world. If it doesn't do any of those things then all it does is pad out the runtime. But a lot of people seem to forget nowadays the stories aren't all about the plot, and the characters and world need to be fleshed out as well. And a scene that does that without progressing the plot isn't necessarily worthless.

[@incognitospider330]

Where are you from? Curiousity as i am learning accents

[@jarrellfamily1422]

I always hear people complain about filler in American serialized animation like steven universe & amphibia and i never had a problem with it but other people really hated it

[@thatrainman4741]

It's filler if it doesn't build the world, characters or progresses the plot, if it doesn't do that then it doesn't work

[@autobotskyflame6287]

I watched Bleach and Naruto without skipping one single filler.

[@kezia8027]

I feel like not mentioning The Great Divide is disingenuous. I agree with all your points, and generally I don't think filler episodes are inherently bad, I also can't say I've heard of episodes like Tales of Ba Sing Se being considered filler...Adding characterization to the cast or world building that expands the world meaningfully. In my opinion The Great Divide doesn't do either of these things, and judging by The Ember Island players, the creators agree that at the very least there is merit to the argument of skipping The Great Divide. The people who argue that Aang lying is the issue are kidding themselves, but the episode itself is filler. It isn't inaccurate or out of character, it's just filler. And also, is that the end of the world? Does something always need to happen in every episode? Like you said, this attention economy push for SOMETHING™to be happening at all times really hampers a story like this by not allowing it the space to breathe.

[@hameley12]

I have watched pretty much everything since I was a child. Japanese, Chinese tv shows episodes are extended by 100++% and American TV shows prior to 2007 had character progression and worldbuilding, and that *Ommph*, charisma, soul, bonding along side the viewers. British TV shows had different formats, and some of their A+ top tier Series have 8 EPs per season, with only three to four seasons. Their writing has had that Ommph of charisma, soul, passion, and an excellent group of script writers. Indian TV shows rely on singing, dancing, acting and they don't take themselves too seriously and have little filler. Yes, they recap events but it's done in a unique way in case you missed the prior two episodes. Filler done correctly, and with the right screenwriters can help advance the show, in some circumstances make fun of itself while telling a compelling story. Please let me know if you agree or disagree. ✍️ 🎬 🎬 🎥

[@mori1bund]

When people complain about filler, I always point to season 7 & 8 of Game of Thrones, where they cut all the 'filler'. How did that work out... 🤣

[@Koroto]

I think GoT cut a bit more than just filler 💀💀💀 Surely Winds will be out soon 😭

[@mori1bund]

@@Koroto That's true! They actually cut plotlines and characters left and right after season 4, and the show had clearly more issues. But season 7 & 8 were basically a highlight reel with all setup, character development, world building, people travelling, etc... cut, which made it even worse. The reason why I take Game of Thrones as an example is because you have the direct comparison to the previous seasons that had more episodes.

[@VibhorSen1993]

Well toph invents metalbending in the guru , it was key to sabotage the fire nation crew in the last episode , so yeah weird filler !

[@christiannoriega428]

This is why I didn't understand all the criticisms that The Mandalorian had too much filler. The pacing is good and allows us to have time with the characters. It's already relatively short, why get rid of the fun episodes just to get through it quicker?

[@handsanitizer5127]

Momo's story is the saddest one to me 😭😭

[@grant2989]

We need a new word for “filler” that isn’t bad. I don’t think of Avatar as having any filler, but there are several episodes that primarily serve the purpose of world building or character development rather than the plot of an arc or a season. It applies to the overarching themes and plot of the entire show, even if it doesn’t apply to the plot of “make it to the North Pole” or “learn earth /water/fire bending”. Naruto having 200 straight episodes of nothing is a lot different than having an offshoot adventure while you travel from the South Pole to the North Pole.

[@4dojo]

I feel like I'm one of the rare anime/avatar fans who actually thinks that well done filler episodes are essential to their series. For example, most Naruto fans complain about the many filler episodes, but without the filler episodes we would have very little idea of what Konoha is like on a normal day, what regular missions look like, what the character's lives and families are like. Some of my favorite arcs are actually the filler arcs. Good filler is universe building and character building. While bad filler is just there to be there.

[@trinstonmichaels7062]

The problem with filler in anime is that it takes up animation budget that could make the show better.

[@KoKoraaaaaaaa1995]

People tend to throw the word filler around rather loosely. As far as I'm concerned, the only Real filler is anything that doesn't add anything to the story, characters, lore/world building, or themes.

[@ryanmartinez8626]

Damn I just had such a California moment: you gotta say which University of California you’re talking about or I won’t know what you mean... This one was Irvine (or UCI works). Great video though! Just thought I’d help your future scientific presentation

[@matuu888]

This was a great video

[@OnizukaAllMighty]

Avatar filler episodes are masterpieces of their kind They are well thought-out, well written, they bring something to the story and characters and are deep or hilarious 👌

[@monohe4d380]

We need more Frieren content ❤

[@monohe4d380]

On the other hand you probably have lots on your plate already

[@OpticalSorcerer]

Given the unique Asian (and other cultures)-inspired setting and elemental power system, filler isn't really as boring here as would be in a typical fantasy story.

[@naturesfinest2408]

Was *literally* just thinking about this. Avatars filler is good because it still progresses the charcters and world.

[@mcrsrm]

So, in short... Netflix One Piece was really good because it removed filler. Netflix Avatar was really bad because it removed filler. But can you really say it removed slow-paced filler, or just re-packaged it and changed it into something much worse? "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, but... I'm scared and... I don't know what I'm doing." "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, but... I'm scared and... I don't know what I'm doing." "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, but... I'm scared and... I don't know what I'm doing." "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, but... I'm scared and... I don't know what I'm doing." "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, but... I'm scared and... I don't know what I'm doing."

[@crimsonmaverick8237]

Like why do you think people love drawing fanart of characters just hanging out?? Seeing lovable personalities simply work off of each other in mundane scenarios is what fans live for.

[@angelizdaboss]

The kinds of filler episodes that I can’t stand are in long lasting shows like naruto or one piece. Ive got over 1000 episodes to get to know the characters and their motivations and the story. The filler episodes become skippable and u don’t even miss out on anything important. Maybe an easter egg or 2 later down the line.

[@danielhandika8767]

I think there's no such thing as filler in ATLA, because the animation is the source material, filler is something that is not exist/added into an adaptation of the source material

[@mrsir6112]

Wait but what University of California did the study. You know there’s like 9 of them right

[@xdecroix]

what's funny is the creators themselves hate the filler content.

[@maxrodriguez889]

3:32 😭

[@aaronfield7899]

Then why is the filler of Naruto terrible if the filler of ATLA is good?

[@IliasBeekveldt]

Couldn't agree more!

[@wariolandgoldpiramid]

30:52 what's it called? I can't tell from your pronunciation how to search for it...

[@Koroto]

Frieren Beyond Journey's End

[@wariolandgoldpiramid]

@@Koroto thank you! I will look into it.

[@abecerra81000]

Yay another upload

[@matheussanthiago9685]

You know what Filler, of the good kind helps connect better with a story Anecdote time But first time I watched the whole of pre-time skip one piece, I watched everything filler and all Even knowing it was filler Cause those episodes where the only ones that showed the crew's interaction Their day-to-day aboard the Merry Go, it was almost like watching a pirate slice of life You don't get that from watching only the canon arcs So much so, that now on my third re-watch I'm skipping by all filler I feel a lot less connected to the characters, like I don't know them as much The filler helps so much with increasing the familiarity

[@jams1070]

Ngl….i like filler lol sometimes you just need a lil break to charge up again. Especially when it’s cute fillers or ya know you get to see characters you don’t see all the time. Yeah i like filler, i do watch them and enjoy them. I enjoy Naruto filler lol

[@Limbaugh_]

I like the great divide episode tf

[@ewennr4553]

what ship was it about at 0:28 ?

[@midou6104]

see hazbin hotel you gonna love it

[@Princess-Sajah]

legend of korra had zero fillers it made the show fill over serious and overloaded villain after villain made her and the group feel less developed and less human

[@veganjotaro]

6:18 HA HAAHGAHGAHAHA that was really good.

[@keziarhodes4950]

If it adds to character development, then it ain’t filler

[@darkaxel1991]

I really hate to see how much entertainment has been changed by performance-maxing based on computer modeling. It seems like very little has real soul anymore.

[@Chris-ks4sw]

Rather watch The Great Divide than The Painted Lady or Imprisoned.

[@johnmccurdy5019]

“Filler” episodes are amazing unless you’re talking about a show that’s 8 episodes with only about 30 minutes of actual show @the mandalorian season 3

[@someonehavinganidentitycrisis]

I would say filler sucks when it isn't canon and contradicts the canon

[@Mr_Binx]

Some of the filler are my favorite episodes

[@MrSophire]

I have disagree, Avatar can’t be condense since it has little to no filler. The pirates came back as assassins, Zuko decided to join the team in Nightmares and daydreams, Appa connected Aang with the Guro etc.

[@diddymon]

Imprisoned don’t establish anything man

[@monocasualzari]

people hate the 'filler' episodes?

[@ZarBluestar]

It’s more than “filler” It’s worldbuilding. If you don’t take a moment to slow down and examine the characters, emotion, world, and the context of why things are happening. I don’t think it’s fair to classify these as “filler”. If you don’t understand the motivations of the cast and the context of their actions in the broader picture, the audience doesn’t have a reason to care about what’s going on. It changes the viewer’s perception from “watching things happen” to having a vested interest in the actual “non filler” plot points

[@Keblash]

If it's canon then it's not filler.

[@Rainbow_Sish_Kabob]

Moral of the story: no show should have less than 10 episodes per season

[@Koroto]

Unless you have a VERY clear plan on how to use those 10 episodes (early GoT comes to mind), then yes, absolutely.