Behind the Bad Fillers | Detective Conan's Filler Frustrations Intensify
As Detective Conan approaches its 30th anniversary, fans are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the series' filler episodes. Discussions on forums reveal that strict control by story editor Junichi Iioka limits creativity, leading to much frustration among viewers.
Fans Weigh In on Filler Quality
Recent forum discussions underscore the challenges of the current fillers. Commenters noted, "The problem with fillers is twofold: they cater to children and lack surprising content." Another highlighted the predictable nature of the stories, citing the short runtime of about 20 minutes as a limiting factor.
Insights from Writers
Interviews in the June 2025 Newtype magazine provided deeper insights. Writers Yoshio Urasawa and Akatsuki Yamatoya shared that they often face restrictions, like the limited character roster. Almost exclusively, only Conan, Ran, and Kogoro receive screen time, leaving characters like Heiji and Kaito Kid sidelined. Urasawa stated, "There's no room for innovative ideas; many drafts just get rejected."
Fans echo the writers’ frustrations. One commented, "How can we have engaging stories when there’s no character variety?"
Mixed Opinions on Filler Episodes
Interestingly, some viewers have found enjoyment in specific filler installments that center minor characters. A fan mentioned, "I actually liked episodes like Girl’s Day Mystery; they give more character focus than the manga does." This demonstrates a split opinion among fans, where some appreciate even the non-canonical content, contrasting starkly with more critical voices.
Themes from Community Discussions
Several recurring themes emerge from these conversations:
Character Exclusion: Fans express strong dissatisfaction with the absence of main characters in recent fillers.
Predictable Plots: Many believe the stories have become overly simplistic and trite, leading to skipping episodes.
Child-Oriented Storylines: The focus on catering to a younger audience has diluted the excitement for older fans.
Key Insights
▽ Many feel that predictable plots make episodes less engaging.
▽ Writers face stringent restrictions from Junichi Iioka, limiting character use.
※ "Filler has potential if done well, but these episodes just fall flat," a fan lamented.
Future Outlook for Detective Conan
With the fanbase growing increasingly impatient for change, the question looms: can the series adapt to meet expectations? Observers note that as long as Junichi Iioka remains in charge, creativity might continue to suffer setbacks. Fans are eager for a revival of storytelling that highlights more of the beloved cast.
As discussions grow, it’s clear that the filler episodes need a significant overhaul to recapture the charm and intricacies that made Detective Conan a beloved franchise. Without such changes, the series risks losing its identity in a landscape where fresh and engaging content is paramount.