I wouldn't call it filler. It seems like Akecheta is being set up as the anti-Delores. He woke up on his own from the maze like Arnold originally intended and didn't do it through cycles and cycles of death or forced reveries update Ford pushed out with the "these violent delights have violent ends".
Way less violent. Way more aware since he's been awake for the past 35 years and Delores has been self-aware for what? A few months or years at best between being wiped and going through her own loop. I'm sure Akecheta and Delores will come into conflict soon.
|