Gravity Falls: The TV Series About the Insidious Unravelment of an Enigmatic Town
Written by Julia Shaw
Amidst the commonplace TV series plaguing our media consumption, there lies some TV series featuring diverse and in-depth characters, heartfelt adventures, and the feeling of belongingness. Gravity Falls, released on October 15th, 2013, is amongst the most well-crafted and peculiarly structured TV shows of all time. The children of the 2000s have been undeniably influenced by Gravity Falls, its relatable and loveable characters, and the raw emotions felt throughout the journey of Mable and Dipper Pines as they unravelled the secrets of the sinister town, Gravity Falls.
“You’re scared of growing up. And who could blame you? I’m scared too.” – Dipper Pines, “Weirdmageddon, Part 2: Escape from Reality”
It is of utmost importance that the children of our generation periodically immerse ourselves into the reminiscences of old times; this provides an escape from the overwhelming feeling of adulthood. Gravity Falls is the ultimate cartoon TV series to rewatch, as it is overbrimming with adventure and humour, which juxtaposes the underlying truth and sobriety in the entire storyline. The elements of this TV series that attribute to its relatability and depth include the journey and growth of the eccentric characters, the intertwinement of humour and suspense, the mysteries and riddles weaved into the storyline, and the contribution of each episode to a fulfilling, overarching story.
The Relatability and Emotional Depth of Gravity Falls
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- Eccentric characters with relatable feelings and emotions.
- Humour, eeriness, and suspense intertwined.
- The mysteries and riddles weaved throughout the episodes.
- Each episode contributes to the overarching storyline, which leaves the audience fulfilled.
Eccentric Characters with Relatable Feelings and Emotions
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In Gravity Falls, each character is diverse and undergoes their own personal journey of growth and maturity. The main characters – twins Mable and Dipper Pines – have contrasting personalities and behaviours. Mable is sunshine and rainbows in tangible form; nonetheless, throughout her adventures in the TV series, inner layers of toughness and courage are demonstrated by this twelve-year-old heroine.
“Looks like Mabel’s going to have to be the hero of the family now. I’ll defeat Gideon with my grappling hook!” – Mable Pines, “Gideon Rises”
In contrast, Dipper is realistic, strategic, and undeniably anxious; he begins as a scrawny boy and matures into a boy who is hungry for knowledge and has the confidence and capabilities to be a hero. For instance, he battles his inner thoughts of his preconceived ideas of manliness and his lack thereof; as a result, through his escapade with the minotaurs, he redefines what it means to be a man. Each character encounters moments where their self-worth depreciates or they feel lost; however, through realistic methods of self-reflection and encouragement from others, they find themselves. Even the antihero Great Uncle (Grunkle) Stan has complexities beneath his lethargic and grumpy demeanour. When the ending of the season finale – “Weirdmageddon, Part 3: Take Back the Falls” – is reached, viewers lament the adventures Mabel, Dipper, Stan, and the other characters will embark on beyond the screen.
Humour, Eeriness, and Suspense Intertwined
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The tone throughout Gravity Falls is unparalleled in cinematic history. The flair of the TV series’ writer Alex Hirsch and his ability to incorporate catharsis-inducing humour into intense and character-building moments throughout the entire series is profound.
“Look, it’s time we stop trying to be so ‘perfect’ and be who we really are. We’re crazed, angry, sweaty animals! We’re not unicorns! We’re WOMEN! AND WE TAKE WHAT WE WANT!!!” – Wendy Corduroy, “The Last Mabelcorn”
Almost every sentence spoken by a character is simultaneously flabbergasting and sidesplitting. Nevertheless, certain scenes contain genuine and reflective conversations, which contribute to the versatility of Gravity Falls. For instance, Mabel questions her urge to love someone – even when they have hurt her recurringly – and battles her cognitive dissonance, which resonates with viewers.
The Mysteries and Riddles Weaved Throughout the Episodes
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Each episode in Gravity Falls contains an element of mystery, which includes on-screen enigmas the characters must decipher, such as the author of the three journals detailing each sly and slick monster residing in Gravity Falls. However, each episode also contains a cryptogram in the end-credits for the enjoyment and involvement of viewers; this includes Caesar ciphers, Atbash ciphers, Substitution ciphers, and Vigenère ciphers. In addition, hidden within the TV series’ theme song is a subliminal message, which is also seen in the episode “Boyz Crazy”, where subliminal mind control is used to prompt a girl into falling in love. The riddles and puzzles integrated into the storyline diversifies Gravity Falls from other Disney+ TV series.
Each Episode Contributes to the Overarching Storyline, Which Leaves the Audience Fulfilled
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Each episode of Gravity Falls is nuanced. Each episode includes a ravenous, formidable, or demonic monster, which Mabel, Dipper, and their friends must conquer; with each encounter, whether it be with minotaurs, mermen, or ferocious gnomes, a layer of the town of Gravity Falls is unpeeled. The order in which each anomaly occurs is strategic, with an intent to further thrust the plot toward the imminent final episodes, in which the overarching storyline is revealed. In addition, a recurring theme is prominent throughout the TV series: trust no one.
“Remember, in Gravity Falls, there is no one you can trust.” – Dipper Pines, “Tourist Trapped”
Mabel and Dipper must navigate the turmoil of Gravity Falls with the knowledge that betrayal is expected and foolishness lies in eagerly divulging the truth. In the end, the reasons behind the lies and the restrained truths become evident when each episode is observed not individually, but as a collective.
My Personal Experience and Emotional Growth from Rewatching Gravity Falls
https://movieweb.com/gravity-falls-perfect-kids-and-adults/
I hold so much love in my heart for Gravity Falls and I have felt my metamorphosis as a person from growing up alongside Mabel and Dipper. I seek mysteries and I wander where my curiosity takes me, which is attributed to the heartwarming truths amid the outrageous adventures of Gravity Falls and its inhabitants. Although all would benefit from the underlying beauty of this TV series, 2000s kids – such as myself – are implored to re-immerse themselves into the story of Mabel and Dipper Pines, the twins that unravelled the secrets of this unsuspecting town and rattled the monsters in their wake.