The episodes focusing on side characters contribute to the story by providing additional depth and richness to the overall narrative. They help to flesh out the world in which the main characters exist, offering insights into different perspectives, histories, and motivations. These side character episodes often reveal important backstory, foreshadow events to come, or explore themes that may not be as prominent in the main storyline. Ultimately, they enhance the viewer's understanding of the main plot and characters, making the storytelling more complex and engaging.