Another decent and interesting episode of Gravity Falls. I really like that all those episodes are connected and they're going to have pinnacle of season at least I'm thinking in that way.
6 Reviews
8
Edvis-199719 April 2019
Introduction of Gideon
hornsbyhavoc18 June 2015
In this episode of Gravity Falls, we are introduced to Lil Gideon, renowned child psychic and Stan's chief nemesis. Interested by a TV ad, Dipper and Mabel attend one of his shows, but immediately after, the twins see straight through him and conclude he is an even bigger fraud than Stan, but there is more to Gideon they are not aware of. He begins to develop a downright creepy obsession with Mabel, calling her his "queen" in an obviously one-sided relationship that Mabel is continuously peer-pressured by the people of the town into staying in. When Dipper tries to break up with Gideon for her, though, things get heated. With one of the most important villains of the series getting his debut here, this episode is the most limited in terms of subplots (the only one being Stan's attempt to ally with Bud Gleeful, Gideon's father, to share profits from their businesses) but doesn't really need them with such an important character and his driving force for the rest of the season being introduced. Yet another good (though not great) episode in the series, this episode makes up for any shortcomings by inserting the most startling and intriguing ending since "Tourist Trapped," and is another winner in the show.
These episodes keep getting better!
dvdn-2312012 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The Hand That Rocks the Mabel is a pretty great episode. It has funny jokes and good lines (I quote "I'm unappreciated in my time" so much since I first saw this episode).
But the best part about this episode is how much it develops Mabel. Mabel is supposed to be a main character equal to Dipper, but in the first three episodes she is relegated to a side character like Soos or Grunkle Stan. She makes occasional quips like the other two, but only really stands as the goofy opposite to Dipper's smarts (which is built onto in episode 8).
However, she is the main character in this episode. Her relationship with Gideon is the whole driving force of the story. She has to grapple with Gideon's ferocious obsession with her, and it is completely believable that she both wants to break up with him but can't due to how the rest of the town would react. It's very compelling and a pretty realistic portrayal of an abusive relationship.
Mabel and Dipper also shine as twins here. They have always been portrayed as best friends, which is always refreshing, and one scenes really amps it up to eleven. When Dipper offers to break up with Gideon for Mabel, where she's cocooned herself in her sweater and emotionally devastated, yet he's able to coax her out. It's a realistic reaction for the situation she's put in and how he's able to connect with her.
Wendy also has a somewhat bigger role. She's still a very small side character, but she has more than one line (unlike Episode 1) and has more than one scene (unlike Episode 2). She's such a fun character and I like how she gets more focus in the following episode and the rest of the show.
The episode is not as laugh-out-loud as Episode 3. It doesn't have as good physical comedy, with more of a subdued comedy style like with the clown painting and the aforementioned "unappreciated" comment, but a good balance would have made the episode much better.
I also think it's a little unclear if Gideon has mind reading powers - it's initially shown as being a gimmick of him just looking at obvious traits of the people (calling out a fan wearing merchandise as being there before, guessing Mabel's name even though it's written on her shirt), but later Gideon says something along the lines of "reading minds isn't my only power" and Stan and the kids later joke that he'll beat them with his mind reading powers, but then it's revealed he has the second journal (incredible ending, it really builds on the mystery and gets you amped for the next episodes) and maybe he learned how to read minds from there, I don't know. Maybe I'm missing something but I think that it's a bit contrived (like McGucket's plans).
Overall, it's great - probably the best of the season so far. It's not outstandingly hilarious, but the development of the characters and their relationships, the introduction of Gideon, and that spectacular ending make it a pretty terrific episode.
But the best part about this episode is how much it develops Mabel. Mabel is supposed to be a main character equal to Dipper, but in the first three episodes she is relegated to a side character like Soos or Grunkle Stan. She makes occasional quips like the other two, but only really stands as the goofy opposite to Dipper's smarts (which is built onto in episode 8).
However, she is the main character in this episode. Her relationship with Gideon is the whole driving force of the story. She has to grapple with Gideon's ferocious obsession with her, and it is completely believable that she both wants to break up with him but can't due to how the rest of the town would react. It's very compelling and a pretty realistic portrayal of an abusive relationship.
Mabel and Dipper also shine as twins here. They have always been portrayed as best friends, which is always refreshing, and one scenes really amps it up to eleven. When Dipper offers to break up with Gideon for Mabel, where she's cocooned herself in her sweater and emotionally devastated, yet he's able to coax her out. It's a realistic reaction for the situation she's put in and how he's able to connect with her.
Wendy also has a somewhat bigger role. She's still a very small side character, but she has more than one line (unlike Episode 1) and has more than one scene (unlike Episode 2). She's such a fun character and I like how she gets more focus in the following episode and the rest of the show.
The episode is not as laugh-out-loud as Episode 3. It doesn't have as good physical comedy, with more of a subdued comedy style like with the clown painting and the aforementioned "unappreciated" comment, but a good balance would have made the episode much better.
I also think it's a little unclear if Gideon has mind reading powers - it's initially shown as being a gimmick of him just looking at obvious traits of the people (calling out a fan wearing merchandise as being there before, guessing Mabel's name even though it's written on her shirt), but later Gideon says something along the lines of "reading minds isn't my only power" and Stan and the kids later joke that he'll beat them with his mind reading powers, but then it's revealed he has the second journal (incredible ending, it really builds on the mystery and gets you amped for the next episodes) and maybe he learned how to read minds from there, I don't know. Maybe I'm missing something but I think that it's a bit contrived (like McGucket's plans).
Overall, it's great - probably the best of the season so far. It's not outstandingly hilarious, but the development of the characters and their relationships, the introduction of Gideon, and that spectacular ending make it a pretty terrific episode.
Yet Another Great Episode of Gravity Falls.
GravityLoudHouseLover110 July 2015
Hi again today I'm going to review another episode my Favorite Show Gravity Falls. Today going to review the Episode The Hand That rocks the Mabel. In this Grunkle Stan's Arch enemy Lil Gideon who is have a show. He tells Dipper and Mabel not to go see him but they do. Anyway Dipper, Mabel and Soos go to see him and he turn be a kid. He becomes obsessed with Mabel be his girlfriend. Anyway Mabel tells Dipper talk to Gideon and goes to him tells Mabel does want to hang anymore. Anyway becomes angry so tried to kill Dipper. So Mabel ends up saving Dipper and swears revenge on them. BOTTOM LINE ANOTHER GREAT EPISODE of Gravity Falls. I'm giving this 'episode a 10 out 10 stars See guys later. Ps check out next the episode of Gravity Falls on Monday on at 8:30PM/7:30PM Central on Disney XD. Piece.
Solid, but not great
doomedmac16 November 2020
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