Firstly, the story itself, even without fillers, is too long. There are many unnecessary aspects that can be cut. For example, the Band of Seven arc (boring characters except for Bankotsu) felt like a drag, and could easily have been worked around with already established characters, and thus, fewer episodes. Once that was past, the momentum was restored and I began enjoying the show again.
Secondly, while the character development is above that of many, MANY anime, it is sometimes ignored for the sake of humour or plot. Inuyasha and Kagome grow and become strong fighters, and we are shown this. But countless times they fail to shoot an arrow or swing their sword when real damage can be done -- the only conceivable reason being that the bad guy isn't "supposed" to die just yet, we've got more minutes of episode to fill, more story to tell. So they shackle their strong characters that have abilities to overcome the situation at hand so that the story can be LONGER? NOOOO
I have just begun the manga, so I don't know whether these problems came from the manga, or were created by the anime. Whichever, the anime still suffers for it. Despite all this, I fucking love this show. Inuyasha gets on my nerves a lot less than most protagonists, so kudos there (Kagome, though, should shoot some more arrows goddammit).
I will continue the series by watching "The Final Act", but I'm certain it will not end in a way that will truly satisfy me -- this either being Inuyasha becoming a human by the power of the Sacred Jewel, or Kagome purifying it with her life. Yep, I like it big. If no one dies WHAT'S THE POINT -- I jest. Just watch the show.
