Gravity Falls, an animated comedy created by Alex Hirsch, follows the adventures of twins Mabel and Dipper Pines over the show's two seasons. While the show may seem to primarily focus on uncovering the mysteries of the small town, it is the relationship between the twins that often takes center stage.
The series follows Mabel and Dipper, who are sent by their parents to spend one summer with their Great-Uncle Stan, AKA Grunkle Stan, at his home in Gravity Falls, Oregon. While there, they find that all is not what it seems and this town is home to fantastical beings and unexplained phenomena. Also known as the "wonder twins," Mabel and Dipper have a good relationship and care deeply for each other. While they have clashing personalities and often tease each other, they are willing to risk anything for the sake of their friendship. Here is a look at how their relationship has grown and changed throughout the show.
Dipper and Mable's Biggest Hurdle In Gravity Falls Is Summer Romance
Mabel has only one goal in mind to have a successful summer -- summer romance. This landed her in trouble and has sometimes strained her friendship with Dipper. From the very first episode, audiences are introduced to Mabel's boy obsession. Her first date was with Norman, a guy who ended up being a bunch of gnomes in a trench coat. Even though Mabel ignored Dipper's help and warnings, he still helped her, and the two worked together to defeat the gnomes.
Another time that got Mabel in trouble with Dipper was during the episode "Sock Opera." Mabel had to decide whether to help Dipper or impress her crush, but she did come around by putting Dipper's needs before some dumb guy. While Mabel can get swept away by romance and isn't always willing to take Dipper's advice, she always ends up making the right decision when it comes to her brother. Mabel continues to show her support by helping him solve his supernatural mysteries or by advising him in his own romantic endeavours.
Dipper has also encountered some similar problems with his crush, Wendy. During the episode "The Time Traveler's Pig," the Mystery Fair comes to town. Mabel and Dipper end up with a time travel device, which they use for their interests. Mabel wants to relive her moment getting Waddles, her pet pig, and Dipper wants to ruin Wendy and Robbie's date, but they soon discover they can't have both.
This leads to a huge fight, with Dipper getting his way at the cost of Mabel's happiness. He later realizes his sister's happiness is more important to him than his feelings for Wendy. He sacrifices his chance of ending Wendy and Robbie's relationship so that Mabel can adopt Waddles. Dipper also comes to terms with the fact that he and Wendy are not meant to be, which was all the result of Mabel's meddling. This is a recurring theme for the two of them, sacrificing their wants and risking their lives for the sake of each other.
Weirdmagedon Put the Pines Siblings to the Test
Their relationship is also put to the test leading up to their 13th birthday party. Mabel and Dipper want to plan an epic party to commemorate the end of summer. It is during this time that the twins discover some important things about their relationship, and it's all during Weirdmagedon, an apocalyptic event Bill Cipher started, quickly trapping Mabel in a bubble universe that seems like her paradise.
Dipper tries to get her out, but she doesn't want to leave, fearing what the future will hold if she does. Afterall, when Ford, Grunkle Stan's twin brother, came through a portal in Season 1, the twins discovered their uncles' relationship wasn't the best, so Mabel developed a fear from this, not wanting to have a broken relationship with her brother. However, for Mabel, it feels like this is happening, as Dipper accepts an apprenticeship with Ford, hence why she accepts her fake paradise.
However, Dipper turns down the apprenticeship so Mabel and him won't grow up separately. After Mabel sees the choice he makes, they reconcile with an "awkward sibling hug." It is in this moment that she also realizes that her friendship with Dipper is different from their uncles' and that he will always be there to support her, even when the world is coming to an end.
Mabel and Dipper's relationship isn't perfect, as they often bicker and sometimes let each other down. However, what sets their relationship apart is that they always have their best interests at heart. When they travel home after their summer in Gravity Falls in the show's finale, they go back with a greater understanding of themselves and their friendship.
