Episode 69 of Dragon Ball Super, titled “Goku vs. Arale! The End of the World Due to a Ridiculous Battle?!” toes the line between filler and non-canon content; while enjoyable for its comedic relief and returning character Arale, it ultimately contributes little to the overarching plot of the Future Trunks Arc or subsequent story arcs. This makes it largely considered filler, designed to provide entertainment and break up the intensity of more serious storylines.
The Verdict: Mostly Filler, But With Nuance
While defining what constitutes “filler” in Dragon Ball Super can be subjective, Episode 69 certainly leans heavily into that category. The primary reason is its lack of significant impact on the overall narrative. The introduction and conflict with Arale, though entertaining, don’t further the development of the main characters, nor do they introduce lasting elements that are crucial to understanding the rest of the series. It’s a standalone adventure that could largely be skipped without hindering comprehension of subsequent episodes.
However, a strict black-and-white categorization can be misleading. Episode 69, like many “filler” episodes in long-running anime series, serves a purpose: it provides a breather from the heavy plot, allowing viewers to enjoy the characters in a lighter, more humorous context. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces certain character traits and power levels, even if indirectly. While not essential viewing, it’s arguably valuable for character development and world-building, albeit in a superficial manner.
Why Episode 69 is Considered Filler
Several factors contribute to the episode’s filler classification:
- Self-Contained Plot: The episode’s plot begins and ends within its runtime. There are no cliffhangers that lead into the next episode nor are there long-term consequences from the events that transpire.
- Lack of Narrative Progression: The Future Trunks Arc, the major storyline at the time, is not advanced in any meaningful way. The episode serves as a comedic interlude, momentarily diverting the focus away from the impending threat of Goku Black and Zamasu.
- Comedic Focus: The episode prioritizes humor and lightheartedness over serious plot development. The exaggerated power levels and absurd situations are played for comedic effect, which is typical of filler content.
- Arale’s Inclusion: While a beloved character from Akira Toriyama’s previous work, Dr. Slump, Arale’s appearance feels largely gratuitous. Her presence, though entertaining, doesn’t organically fit into the Dragon Ball Super narrative.
The Argument for Non-Filler Elements
Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing towards filler, there are arguments to be made for including it in the broader narrative:
- Character Interaction: The episode provides interactions between Goku and Arale, showcasing Goku’s power level and his reactions to unconventional opponents. It subtly reinforces his dedication to fighting and his enjoyment of challenging stronger beings.
- Power Scaling Hints: While not explicitly stated, the episode suggests that Arale possesses immense power, possibly rivaling that of Super Saiyan Blue Goku. This sparks debates about the potential power levels of gag characters within the Dragon Ball universe.
- World-Building in a Broader Sense: By showcasing other characters from Toriyama’s works, it broadens the perceived scope of the Dragon Ball universe, even if only implicitly. This can enhance the overall viewing experience for fans familiar with his other creations.
- Providing a Break from Intense Story Arcs: The episode allows viewers to take a breath amidst intense plotlines. Its lightheartedness can prevent fatigue and make the subsequent episodes more impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Ball Super Episode 69
FAQ 1: Is episode 69 based on anything from the Dragon Ball Super manga?
No, episode 69 of Dragon Ball Super is not directly adapted from the Dragon Ball Super manga. The manga follows a slightly different storyline and does not include the Arale cameo and associated events found in the anime episode. The anime’s inclusion of Arale constitutes original content not present in the source material.
FAQ 2: Why did they bring Arale back for this episode?
The decision to include Arale was likely a combination of factors. Firstly, Arale is a popular character created by Akira Toriyama, making her a recognizable and appealing addition for fans. Secondly, her inclusion served to provide a comedic interlude within the more serious Future Trunks Arc. Finally, it potentially served as a cross-promotional opportunity to remind audiences of Toriyama’s other works.
FAQ 3: How strong is Arale compared to Goku in Dragon Ball Super?
This is a heavily debated topic. Arale’s powers are based on gag manga logic, making her inherently inconsistent and capable of absurd feats. While Goku struggles to defeat her in the episode, it’s implied that his power level is not the limiting factor. Instead, Arale’s ability to manipulate reality for comedic effect is what makes her such a formidable opponent. It is difficult to assign a concrete power level.
FAQ 4: Does this episode have any bearing on future events in Dragon Ball Super?
No, the events of episode 69 do not directly influence any future plot points in Dragon Ball Super. The episode is largely self-contained and doesn’t establish any lasting consequences or character developments that are relevant in subsequent arcs.
FAQ 5: Are all episodes with comedic elements considered filler?
Not necessarily. Many episodes in Dragon Ball Super incorporate humor, but that doesn’t automatically classify them as filler. The key distinction lies in whether the episode contributes to the overarching narrative, develops characters, or introduces new elements that are crucial to understanding future events. An episode with comedic elements can still be considered canon if it serves a larger purpose beyond simple entertainment.
FAQ 6: Is it worth watching episode 69 if I’m trying to catch up on the main story?
If your primary goal is to progress through the main storyline as quickly as possible, you can skip episode 69 without missing any critical plot points. However, if you enjoy lighthearted humor and seeing the characters interact in unconventional situations, it may be worth watching for entertainment value.
FAQ 7: Where does episode 69 fall in the overall timeline of Dragon Ball Super?
Episode 69 takes place after the Universe 6 tournament arc and during the initial stages of the Future Trunks arc. It’s essentially a standalone episode that doesn’t directly contribute to the ongoing conflict with Goku Black and Zamasu.
FAQ 8: Does Akira Toriyama have more involvement in filler episodes?
The extent of Akira Toriyama’s involvement in individual episodes is not always publicly known. However, it’s generally believed that he has a higher degree of involvement in the main storyline episodes compared to those considered filler. While he may provide initial character designs or broad story outlines, the specific details and content of filler episodes are often handled by the anime production team.
FAQ 9: Can filler episodes be considered canon?
This is a complex question. Generally, filler episodes are considered non-canon because they are not based on the original manga. However, the definition of “canon” can be subjective, and some fans may consider filler episodes to be part of their personal understanding of the Dragon Ball universe. The official stance is that the manga is the primary source of canon material.
FAQ 10: Are there any Dragon Ball Super filler episodes that are actually good?
While the perception of “good” is subjective, many fans find certain filler episodes enjoyable for their humor, character interactions, or unique storylines. For example, some filler episodes focusing on the daily lives of the characters or exploring different aspects of the Dragon Ball universe are often well-received. Episode 69 is often cited as an entertaining, albeit non-essential, episode.
FAQ 11: How can I tell if a Dragon Ball Super episode is filler?
Several indicators can help you identify filler episodes:
- Lack of connection to the main storyline: Does the episode advance the plot or develop the characters in a meaningful way?
- Stand-alone plot: Can the episode be skipped without hindering your understanding of future events?
- Focus on humor or slice-of-life elements: Does the episode prioritize comedy or character interactions over serious plot development?
- Original content not found in the manga: Is the episode based on material from the Dragon Ball Super manga?
FAQ 12: Should I skip all the filler episodes in Dragon Ball Super?
The decision to skip filler episodes is ultimately a personal one. If you’re primarily interested in the main storyline, skipping filler episodes can save you time. However, you may miss out on enjoyable character moments, unique storylines, and opportunities to further appreciate the world of Dragon Ball. Consider watching a few filler episodes to determine if they align with your viewing preferences.