6 Unskippable Filler Episodes In Bleach

Highlights

• Some filler episodes in Bleach are important to watch because they set up key events and character development.
• The Mod Soul trio, originally introduced in a filler arc, later appear in the Arrancar arc to support the main characters.
• Episode 251 showcases Koga’s descent into a rogue Shinigami seeking vengeance, highlighting the development of the main antagonist in the Zanpakuto Rebellion arc.

Filler content is a recurring trend in many prominent anime series, and fan reception towards it can be extremely polarizing as a result of its placement and consistency within the series. This is especially the case with the Bleach anime, which has an abundance of anime-only arcs in addition to filler episodes, all ranging from very excellent to horrible.

Though some viewers may be tempted to skip all the filler Bleach has to offer, there are still some filler episodes that fans must watch for one reason or another. In particular, these filler episodes do an excellent job of enticing viewers due to how well they set up certain events or the extra mile they take to develop certain characters, canon or otherwise.

6 Episode 64

New School Term, Renji Has Come to the Human World!?

Episode 64 marks the beginning of Bleach’s Bount Arc, an anime-exclusive arc that lasts twenty-eight episodes in all. Taking place immediately after the highly-rated Soul Society arc, this arc begins with Ichigo’s life seemingly returning to normal, as he is shown having a normal home and school life while reflecting on how different things are with Rukia not around.

Because this episode is partly derived from the manga, namely chapters 183 and 184 of Volume 21, skipping this episode will result in viewers missing some key events, namely Ichigo finally coming home and his reflections on the events of the Soul Society arc. Otherwise, the rest of the episode is dedicated to setting up the conflict revolving around three mysterious individuals kidnapping Orihime Inoue.

5 Episode 68

True Identity of the Devil; The Secret Which is Revealed!

The next few episodes of the Bount arc have Ichigo and his friends trying to rescue Orihime (and later Sado) while enduring numerous trials forced upon them by her mysterious kidnappers. After fighting this trio, however, they decide to finally reveal themselves as Mod Souls under Urahara’s command to test Ichigo’s various skills and the bonds he has with his friends.

Though they made their official debut in Episode 64, this episode marks the formal introduction of the Mod Soul trio (Ririn, Kurodo, and Noba) and their role in confronting the looming threat of the Bounts. However, despite being anime-only characters, the Mod Soul trio later appear in some parts of the Arrancar arc, using their powers to support the main characters in their fights against the Arrancar.

4 Episode 108

The Wailing Bount! The Last Clash!

After returning to Soul Society to stop the Bount from wreaking havoc, Ichigo finally confronts Jin Kariya, the all-powerful leader of the remaining Bount and the mastermind behind the plot to destroy the Seireitei by unsealing and activating the mysterious Jokaisho. During their final fight, Kariya reveals his reasoning for destroying Seireitei: he wishes to get revenge on the Shinigami for using the Bount as tools for their scheming.

Thanks to Ichigo’s efforts, however, Kariya’s plans are thwarted, and he admits defeat; but before he can impart something to Ichigo, he promptly turns to ashes and disperses into the breeze. This leaves Ichigo regretting his victory, as he realizes that Kariya allowed himself to die to end his own prolonged life.

3 Episode 124

Collision! Black Bankai and White Bankai!

While the arc in which this episode takes place is not filler, the events in this episode certainly take a departure from those of its corresponding manga chapters. In an attempt to subdue his inner Hollow, in addition to being lectured by Kenpachi Zaraki, Ichigo finds himself being scolded by an effigy of Byakuya Kuchiki for lacking the will to fight and ignoring the turmoil within his heart.

In addition, Ichigo is also visited by an effigy of Jin Kariya, who similarly berates Ichigo for his lack of will to fight while demonstrating that Ichigo still regrets defeating him some time prior. Though the events surrounding the lesson are different, both Byakuya and Kariya show Ichigo the errors behind his idealistic and logical way of fighting.

2 Episode 284

Chain of Sacrifice… Harribel’s Past

As the episode’s name suggests, Episode 284 is mainly a flashback of Harribel’s anime-only past as a Hollow and how she met her three iconic Fraccion: Apacci, Mila-Rose, and Sung-Sun. In addition, the episode also elaborates on Harribel’s philosophy of killing and battle; she refuses to kill anyone for the sole purpose of getting stronger.

Naturally, this episode also shows how Harribel joined Aizen’s army; Aizen saved her and her Fraccion from a rogue Arrancar who invaded their hideout in Hueco Mundo. This event in particular serves as an ironic twist due to Harribel concurrently being betrayed by Aizen as soon as the flashback comes to an end.

1 Episode 251

Dark History! The Worst Shinigami is Born

The Zanpakuto Rebellion arc is one of the best-rated among Bleach’s collection of filler content, with much of its praise stemming from the development of the main antagonists: Koga Kuchiki and his Zanpakuto Muramasa. Initially staging a rebellion for the Zanpakuto spirits to be free of their respective Shinigami, the rebellion itself proves to be a diversion to free Koga from imprisonment.

Episode 251 is best summarized by Koga Kuchiki’s descent into the rogue, irredeemable Shinigami who seeks vengeance against Soul Society and the Kuchiki Clan for discriminating against him and his immense power. Naturally, it also shows the deterioration of his relationship with Muramasa, to the point that Muramasa goes insane upon Koga breaking his blade in two.