It's almost been a year since Gravity Falls finally terminated itself, leaving us with an epic conclusion that was as intense, as satisfying, and as heartfelt as anything that us Gravity Falls could have asked for. Interestingly, Gravity Falls was on my list of "to watch" shows that included other children television shows that were regarded by many as proof that children's television has reached its golden age. I checked out some of the other shows, first, since they were more popular at the time. I watched Jake and Finn's journeys through a post-apocalyptic world (secretly). I checked out Steven Universe...and I still don't know how to describe that. I watched a few episodes of each, and they were good, no doubt, but I have never been quite as enthralled so immediately as the time that I watched Gravity Falls. Since then, for the first time in my life since I was old enough (and nerdy enough) to rank television programs, a children's show has become one of my all-time favorite shows. Since it ended, there's been a gaping hole in my heart.
From the atmosphere of northwest forestry to the quick and clever humor that one can enjoy without feeling dirty about themselves and the extensive and impactful element of mystery that drives the primary story of the show, Gravity Falls is an instant classic for many people of multiple ages worldwide. It's clever. It's heartfelt. Every main character is uncannily likeable. Each episode inspires intellectual curiosity. Every chapter provides answers while raising even bigger questions until the explosive and resolute final episode. The animation is thick and inviting. Every message, whether it be a cautious sense of urgency or an unsettling fact of life, impales the spirit and makes us feel human, and more specifically, like a kid, again. Gravity Falls, in my humble opinion, is a show that everyone, from ages 10 to 96, should feast their eyes upon, because, despite its short-lived original airing, Gravity Falls will go down as one of the greatest television shows ever made. Here are a few reasons why you should check it out.
1. The Humor
Whereas Avatar: The Last Airbender, a nickelodeon original, was a serious show that harbored numerous comedic elements, Gravity Falls, which is a Disney original, is an adventure-comedy with serious themes of mystery, betrayal, and even apocalyptic tones. The humor is appealing to all ages. Young children will find themselves giggling at Mabel's wild shenanigans that constantly aggravate Dipper during his investigations. Soos's friendly and naive demeanor that employs language and manners of speech of a millennial generation, as well as Wendy's sarcastic and carefree nature, will hit hard with teenaged audiences. Grunkle Stan's constant references to his old age, his bouts with gambling and jail will ring with older audiences who can sense humor that goes over children's heads.
2. The Character
As aforementioned, the characters in this show are complex, likable, and developed almost perfectly. Dipper's intelligent and clever yet anxious nature. Mabel's happy, fantastical vivacity with the ability to recognize reality. Grunkle Stan's jerkish and irresponsible nature combined with his unfathomable and unrequited love for his niece and Nephew. There is a slew of other characters who made their impact on us with singular episodes. Soos's history with his estranged father. Every character rings with both cartoonish fantasies as well as a sense of realism grounded in real life.
3. The Adventure
The element of adventure would have to be the penultimate reason for the show's placement as one of the world's greatest television shows. Although initially convinced that this summer, during which he's sent to live with his great uncle in his tourist trap known as the "Mystery Shack," will be full of boredom, monotony, and dirtiness. The sense of adventure that they manage to capture during their summer at Gravity Falls is one that uplifts the human spirit and drives the twins to desire to never leave Gravity Falls. The sense of adventure in this show works so well because, although it incorporates fantastical elements including cliched paranormal situations such as ghosts, aliens, zombies, etc, as well as original situations such as cleverly original monsters and haunted locations that function in ways that we've never seen before. The primary villain, himself, is entirely original and memorable, and although I will not reveal his identity, just know that he is equally humorous and entertaining as he is threatening and intimidating.
4th. The Mystery
Gravity Falls ultimate quality that separates it from other shows is the clever and intricate element of mystery that are not written to function exclusively as a children's mystery but also as an engaging and suspenseful mystery that thoroughly intrigues viewers of all ages. I have never watched a children's television show that functions as a kinetic storyline where events from the very first episode set things in motion to be resolved in the final episode. I've never watched a children's show where, if I begin with an episode in the middle of the series, then I will have very little knowledge as to what's occurring and why particular situations are as suspenseful and provocative as they are. This show puts an incredible amount of trust in its fans, recognizing that the exhilarating and thoroughly entertaining show is perfect the way it is without having to pander towards less invested viewers.
Gravity Falls may have enjoyed a good run, but it will live in its fans' hearts forever, and I recurringly find myself flipping through different episodes to watch my favorites over-and-over, again. Considering I watched the entire show in two weeks during my sophomore year of college, I'm toying with the concept of initiating another marathon and watching the entire show from start to finish to uncover different hidden gems and easter eggs that I may have missed before, as well as continue to get to know these incredible and loveable characters. Gravity Falls is an absolute winner, and has established itself as the Breaking Bad of children's shows. It's funny. It's engaging. It's mysterious. It's epic. It's heartfelt. It's impossible to summarize in one article why the viewing this show is absolutely mandatory. If for no other motivation, there is a single reason that you should check out Gravity Falls...Grappling Hook!
Seriously, though. Watch it.
