MovieChat Forums > Gravity Falls (2012) Discussion > What's so great about this?

What's so great about this?

posted 9 years ago by SethOfTheFields
16 replies | jump to latest

I'm not trying to pick a fight. But I don't really get it. I watched the first few episodes and thought it was okay. Nothing special, just an adventure-of-the-week kids show with no substance.

I first found out about the show after watching Over The Garden Wall (which I absolutely loved) and many people recommended this to me since I liked that. And now I see that it has such a high rating here on IMDb. So now I'm wondering... does it take a little while for this show to reveal its greatness? Do things change or improve later on? Or is what I saw representative of what the show is overall and it just isn't my thing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FE9SLJ2Xoc

[–] Deadpool_vs_theLeprecorn 9 years ago

I love the show because of its colorful characters and intriguing story. Not to mention the gorgeous animation. Its also one of those shows that just gets better and better as the story progresses. Season 2 is much better then season 1 and is more serialized and mature.

In my opinion, the first season is mostly designed to introduce characters and the town, (and also set up clues to the bigger story) so that when things start getting serious in season 2, you actually care about what happens to them.

I would suggest watching episode 19 "Dreamscapers" and 20 "Gideon Rises" before calling quits on the show. If you like them, I would go back and watch the rest of season 1 because a lot of stuff is brought back and referenced in season 2.

[–] Zoopi_Lala 9 years ago

I think a great deal of Gravity Fall's success is its comedy and characters. Hence, if you simply aren't finding either of those particularly engaging, I don't think there's any point in you sticking with the show. On the other hand...

Nothing special, just an adventure-of-the-week kids show with no substance.

... if this is your biggest complaint with the show, I heavily recommend you stick with it. Like Avatar: The Last Airbender, the show begins to tell season-wide story arcs in its second season - and it definitely has more "substance".

[–] thekingdomofjordan 9 years ago

It's a very warm show to me that makes me wanna curl up all day long and watch in the dark. It's a really relaxing show that has the right amount of subtle humor and wittiness. The characters' quirks are endearing and I love their relationship. At first I was worried Mabel might be too abrasive and instigating to Dipper like the sister in Phoebe & Ferb, but it turned into a heartwarming relationship between the two of them.

The storylines are unique and structured well together. I like how everything has a meaning behind it. You can watch an episode over and over again, and discover new jokes or clues to the story arc. A lot of detail goes into every scene.

And it just reminds me of my childhood really. When cartoons were just.. cartoons. Nothing over the top or edgy. Just great story telling and beautiful graphics.

[–] divinemrsq 9 years ago

Your review brings tears to my eyes. It's everything I feel about this show and more! My 12 year old daughter convinced me start watching it and I couldn't thank her enough. It's so smart and funny, but you don't have to think too hard to get it, easy breezy :)
Bazinga!

[–] jstewart01 9 years ago

Honestly, I kind of felt that way about the first season as well. It was good, but nothing amazing. However, my opinion of the show started to really changed in season 2, with its epic plot twists, better writing, depth, etc. I would say give the show some time before calling it quits. Season 2 blows the first one out of the water.

[–] first_rule_of_fightclub 9 years ago

The attention to detail of this show is outstanding. I really liked season 1 but as other have said, season 2 is when the big arc comes into play. Season 2 of Gravity Falls is the cartoon equivalent of Season 2 of Breaking Bad.

Oh, and one more thing, as far as the mysteries go, the name of the show is a big clue in and of itself.

[–] ThisIsID 9 years ago

Just keep watching it. You'll see why many people love this show. But if you want to make it quick, watch Season 1 Episode 19-20. When I first saw this show I also think this is just "adventure-of-the-week story with no plot or anything great". But after i watch more, i become interested and like this show.

[–] jonathonwisnoski-856-217430 9 years ago

I actually disagree with a lot of the other comments here. I was hooked at episode 1. Sure the story really gets intense in season 2, but if you were not enjoying seasons 1 that is not going to change. And if you did not enjoy episode 1 you are unlikely to enjoy any other other season 1 episodes.

[–] mcmgm 9 years ago

Watches a FEW episodes, then whines about the show. Try watching at least a whole season first. Maybe then you'll "get it".

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Kristen Dowd
The Future of Independent Film

[–] JudgeJavelin 7 years ago

Are you crazy? If you don't like it after 1 or 2 episodes ditch it...wasting time with a full season while not liking it is just plain stupid!

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Prepare to be judged....with a FGM-148 Javelin!

[–] palvdb 8 years ago

In a whole lot of ways it's a rather high quality, but pretty standard kids show.
There's however a significant difference with the fact that it's not simply episodes, there's a larger story, that develops in pretty incredible ways, side characters are not just added for a single episodes but return often and get backstories that sometimes feed in to the main story.
In short: the great thing about the show that there's a larger story, mysteries get revealed, characters and their relations develop.
So it's somewhat dependent on how many episodes you watch how much you'll get from it.
I know that's an annoying thing to hear, but it's a series that's gradually getting more enjoyable, so if you quite like I say keep watching it.

[–] Andthatismytwocents 8 years ago

One reason for the shows sucess You were not forcefed it

Problems were why episodes of this took so long vs say Lab Rats Phineas and Ferb which were hyped upo as HELL

Thanks to mini marathons been able to catch up

and saw the premiere and had to admit did NOT see what was coming coming

[–] ralo229 7 years ago

I felt that way too at first, but just bare with it. Its one of those shows that has to grow on you over time. That and Season 2 is much better in terms of writing.