In Defense of Filler Episodes
Filler – it’s an inherently dismissive word. By and large, the term filler is used to describe episodes that do not move the plot forward in a TV show. This phrase generally assumes that there is an overarching plot – either for a season or so a series – to be pushed forward in the first place as has generally been the case for the past decade or so, even with non-prestige TV. Yet despite that, filler episodes can not only be awesome in their own right, but are an important part of the story-telling experience.
I hear the complaint about filler episode most frequently in the Steven Universe fandom, of which I am a part. There is some serious hatred for episodes that focus on the Beach City townies, rather than on the larger overarching Space Opera plot. Any time a new Beach City episode comes out, I inevitably see YouTubers and fans deride the episode as filler. But that response ignores all the non-plot functions “filler” episodes fulfill.
So-called filler episodes might not move the plot along per se, but they can often be used for character development. One of the most fun Steven Universe episodes is “Last One Out of Beach City” which has no plot significance whatsoever, but a ton of development for one of the main characters, Pearl. The plot might not have moved forward, but the characters did. And because of that we as viewers care more about the characters, or their growth, when the plot comes back into the forefront than we probably otherwise would have. It’s hard to be emotionally invested in a human plot device, which can be what characters are in plot-dominant shows (I’m looking at you Danny Rand in The Defenders).
Filler episodes also give you the opportunity to just sit with and get to know and like characters more. Our current binge-watching culture, by definition, doesn’t expect the viewer to spend a lot of time with the characters, which is a shame because familiarity can breed affection. I believe that one of the reasons the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is so successful is because it is a universe. I’ve been getting to know Iron Man for a decade now, and Captain America and Loki (sorry not sorry Thor) for nearly as long. They have developed, yes, but they have also had the time to do so, and it could be done in drips here and dribbles there. Heck, even pre-Black Panther T’Challah went through some serious development and primed the audience to understand him well before his solo movie came out.
On the other hand, a season of Stranger Things takes a weekend to watch. And for the life of me I cannot remember the main kids' names. There is a Will who gets kidnapped and I think a Lucas and for the others I’d have to look it up.
Finally, filler episodes can just be fun. Not every episode has to be serious, not every plot needs to be epic. Sometimes, episodes can just be fun. I personally love the Star Trek episode when Captain Picard and several others are turned into 12-year olds. It’s ridiculous and hilarious and just a lot of fun to watch. Child Picard pretending Will Riker is his father is just glorious. Plot is all well and good, but entertainment should still be fun, at least sometimes. Filler episodes provide a vehicle for that, often silly, fun.
Plot is great, and in our current binge-watching culture, fairly important as it doesn’t reward the “slow burn” in a narrative. But we’ve gotten to the point where we’ve sacrificed a great deal, possibly too much, on the altar of plot. So-called filler episodes fill those gaps, and have their own value, even if if we can be too dazzled by plot to see it.
