Of all the guys Mabel crushes on in the series, Mermando I would say was the best of them all, and Gabe is no doubt the worst.

Fun fact: Alex Hirsch confirmed that the laptop didn’t have an attempt limit. Bill manipulated Dipper in his dream.

I'm surprised no one’s mentioned this. In the physical copy of Journal 3 they released after the show ended, there's a few pages that Mabel writes about Bipper. She says that since she saw Dipper in like a more demonic presence because it was the first time she saw him with a full set of teeth smile, gums and all. It was really horrifying to her. And after the puppet show she also shows that she finds a letter written by Bipper explaining his plan for Dippers body. And I’m not joking he literally says "After I destroy that journal I'll give this body it's grand finale: throwing it off the water tower! The town will just think Pine Tree lost his mind! Wanna join him Shooting Star?". So yeah, pretty dark lol.

A few spoiler-free things 1. The creators confirmed that the laptop didn't have a password limit. Dipper fell asleep and Bill manipulated his dream to trick him. 2. There's a note in the actual journal Mabel found that Bill wrote in Dipper's body on how he planned to throw Dipper's body off the water tower afterwards. Kids show, everyone! 3. someone else put this together, but I find this interesting. Remember the invisible wizard? Alex Hirsch said the invisible wizard keeps untying Dipper's shoes. A code hidden in the show about Bill reads, "I have eyes in many places, I have friends with many faces, I keep the Pines in proper places, don't look now, I untied your laces." Meaning Bill is the invisible wizard. In the Carpet episode, Grenda comes out of the closet known for hiding the invisible wizard saying, "I don't know what I was kissing in there, but I have no regrets!" And now Bill calls Grenda a monster in this episode. Do with that information what you will.

Can’t wait for her to discover how the “Evil villain possesses a child just for the heck of it” tradition was born

Fun note: In the Audio commentary by Alex on this episode, he outright called attention to this being the last episode to focus on Mable having a crush of the week, because Dipper getting posessed caused her to Legitimately reconsider her priorities, and focus on what's important.

Fun and dark fact: In the real-life Journal 3, Bill wrote a message saying that after destroying the journal, he'd chuck himself off the water tower while in Dipper’s body, making everyone think Dipper was deranged. And he asked Mabel if she wanted to join him… 😰

Petition to get her to watch Dipper's guide to the unexplained so she can learn more about Grunkle Stan's back tattoo 👇

This episode is so good. One of my favorites of the series. Also "fun" fact from the irl journal, there's a page that Mabel wrote about Bipper. She said it was the first time she ever saw Dipper smiling with all his teeth to the gums, and it terrified her. She also writes that she found a note left by Bill that details a plan to destroy the journal and then jump from the water tower while in Dipper's body. She was messed up for a while after reading it. I AM, TOO.

I love how Bipper just throws himself off stairs and stabs himself with forks, but puts a seatbelt on when he’s in the car. And I like how Mabel grew and rectified her selfishness by helping Dipper in the end. Also the code at the end translates to, "No puppet strings can hold me down. So patiently I watch this town. Abnormal soon will be the norm. Enjoy the calm before the storm." Bill is definitely coming back.

In terms of the creation of Bill Cipher, basically, Hirsch just wanted to annoy Illuminati theorists by turning the pyramid from the dollar bill (hence BILL'S name origin) into an actual demon. To answer John's question, Hirsch had a plan for three seasons, but it's DRAINING to make a TV show. He even wanted to end the series after season one and ultimately end the series on a cliffhanger. After he was convinced to finish Gravity Falls, he went to the network, who said they only do 20 episode seasons, Hirsch agreed but made sure it was on paper that it would be his last season, and the studio agreed. I can't find anything on if there was tonal clash between Disney and Hirsch, but from what I could find, it sounds like the writers just did their thing, and then Hirsch would actually revise a LOT of the dialogue. Like all of Dipper and Mabel's lines would be rewritten by Hirsch which makes sense, it's based on his own life, and himself and his own sister. I think because the show was so well received initially, Disney felt like maybe it was best to let Hirsch do his thing for season 2. And BOY do we reap the rewards for Disney backing off a bit. The show's lasting legacy and impact are not to be understated. It's a perfect example of how animation is NOT just for kids-kids can like the wacky adventures, and the adults love figuring out the ciphers and theorize what will happen. It took everyone on a ride.

Poor Dipper. He suffered a lot in this episode, both physically and mentally. He probably has PTSD after what happened. I just want to give him a big hug.

*Grunkle Stan:* Children fighting?! I can sell this! One of the many reasons to love Grunkle Stan - almost everything that comes out of his mouth is flipping gold.

Ngl, this episode is one of my favorites. I can’t wait for Elijah to meet Bipper, the OG Disney Channel possessed child villain. Plus, now we’re only eight episodes away from you-know-what. Also, friendly reminder that tomorrow is the 11 year anniversary of Gravity Falls.

Bill Cipher: "But how can you stop me, if you don't exist?" The slow head turn was very creepy!!!

also fun fact, along with being the creator of amphibia, matt braly directed this episode. and also dana terrace worked as a storyboarder for gravity falls (im not sure if dana worked on this episode as well but i know she was a storyboarder) so in theory you could say matt and dana were like " oh hey i remember that one time alex made his protagonist get possessed so ima do that too "

Elijah: *"If I have a nickel for each time a troubled nerd teen possessed by an ancient ruthless being, i would have three nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird it happened three times"* Bipper, Darcy and Helos: *Singing 'Ways to be Wicked' by Descendants* P.S It was GF and this episode started the 'Disney Possessing Kids just for the heck of it' tradition and Bipper is the founder of the Possessed Troubled Nerds Teen Trio

Dipper: "You seriously think your random crush of the week is more imporant than uncovering the mysteries of this town? You're obsessed!" Dipper was absolutely spot-on next to Elijah.

“Wanna see me possess a child? Wanna see me do it again?” -Bill Cipher, The Core, and Emperor Belos

If you read into it you actually discover that Alex Hirsch basically went into war against Disney because he got strikes for the pettiest reasons because of Gravity Falls. It was hard to make. *But he did it anyway.*

Every episode with Bill Cipher is always a good one! Im excited for more gravity falls!!

In “The Golf War” reaction, I teased in my comment that the premise of “Sock Opera” introduced a bit of a trend for certain Disney shows (specifically Amphibia and The Owl House) going forward, and as someone got correct in the replies to my comment, that was protagonists suffering from possession. As morbid and traumatizing as it is, both for the viewers and the characters, Darcy and Belos-possesed Hunter have someone to thank (but Marcy and Hunter didn’t deserve that… 😢) I’m not sure if Bipper was the first, but he’s too iconic for people to not consider it the beginning of the trend.

{{ I’m most likely going to miss the premiere, but to those of you who will be watching it when it does, enjoy watching Elijah’s reaction to this episode !! >> Sock Opera was personally one of my favorite episodes, next to a few others I won’t be naming here because I don’t want to spoil it or anything. }}

If we had a nickel for every time a Demon voiced by Alex Hirsch possessed the protagonist of a Disney cartoon, we'd have 2 nickels, which isn't a lot but it's still weird that it happened twice.

Been eagerly awaiting this one. Aside from just Bill’s first reappearance since Dreamscaperers, this was the ep to finally call attention to how much dippers has sacrificed for mabel, and mabel realizing how selfish she’d been. And of course, thats always been a deliberate writing choice, and a perfect thing for Bill to try and exploit.

*"I THINK I KNOW A GUY!"* that did and still does give me minor chills

Mabel, out of all your crushes, I can only accept Mermando. But Gabe… he’s just the worst! And the puppets make it even worst! I hate puppets. Also, Bill’s back. I got a bad feeling about this. What’s that space dorito up to?

I really like how this episode gave Mabel some character growth with her relationship with Dipper. It seemed that this episode made Mabel realize that she made Dipper sacrifice quite a lot for her, with her not giving much in return. Also, it's so good to have Bill Cipher back in action. He may be villainous, but he's just so entertaining and fun to watch (although him taking over Dipper's body is still really scary and messed up). That Ave Maria bit with the puppets blowing up was also a very funny. This show knew how to do great comedy.

This is my all time favorite episode of the show. It balances humor and horror perfectly, better than any episode imo, not to mention possession episodes are just cool as hell

I love the attention to details in this show. Like for example: Bill can show only in dreams. So before he appears Dipper closes his eyes or that the timer on laptop changes to put pression on "future puppet".

Been so excited for Elijah to officially see the Disney "Possessed Trio", Possessed Hunter, Darcy and of course Bipper

Holy shit Elijah, I love your hair in this one. The rows of gay beads, the curls with the tight back on part. Lovely. Absolutely amazing.

Fun fact: the puppets of Grunkle Stan and McGucket were later used for a couple some prommotional shorts that can be found in youtube. Though they're kind of spoilery so it's better to watch them after the show

Fun fact: Dana Terrace actually did the early animation stages of the scene where Bipper (bill+dipper’s body) is stumbling around

I’ve always loved this episode just seeing more of Bill was entertaining and Dipper inside the sock puppet was freakin hilarious 💀

7:57: Bill's reading Elijah's mind! 😆

Bill Cipher: that’s right I’m the human now!

Stan: "Whoa! Children fighting! I can sell this!" That line was hilarious!!!!

Yeah its my favorite episode. Fun fact: it was confirmed that if bill's plan worked he was going to throw dippers body off the water tower to kill him.

Bill Cipher: "You didn't seem to have a problem taking it for your own play, ditching him when he needed you." Bill kept spitting out facts, even though he's the bad guy. I still like him in this show.

"Pain is hilarious" is a very King delivery.

I think there was a deleted scene where after Dipper wakes up, he sees a message carved on his hand by Bill saying that the dream was real and he carved a turkey on his other hand Fun fact : The Stan puppet at the end was used in a short series called Mystery Shack Shop at Home

I remember when i first saw this episode it completely threw me for a loop with Bill cus he didn't honour his side of the deal. After seeing Gideon summon Bill and make a deal I just assumed he was the kind of demon/fae trope that had to honour a contract and it completely blew my mind when he just smashed the laptop.

I love how Elijah was called out twice in the same episode lol

13:10 The puppets were getting destroyed and a sad song is being played 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I’m case ya didn’t know Bill can only appear in a person’s mind, preferably when they’re asleep, so he’s trapped in the “mindscape” with no way of affecting reality :]

This episode is one of my top 5 favorite episodes of the show, rewatching and seeing all the little clues for the future episodes is incredible.

I think when bipper says "oh but why would you want to do that" he looks with a good shading and the eyes are more yellow

I'm glad you enjoyed this episode so much! It's so fun!

Fun fact: Bill planned to kill dipper at the end of this episode! In the official journal 3 book that you can buy, there is a section written in bill’s perspective while he was in dippers body. He said after the show he planned to jump off the gravity falls water tower in Dippers body making sure dipper would never have his body again, and killing him.

Bipper walked so that Darcy, Helos and Witteraine could run

"Sorry kid but you're my puppet now! HAHAHAHAHA!"

It's happening! Oh my gosh it's happening! (I always eagerly wait for your gravity falls reactions)

The Ave Maria made that scene 200% funnier and it doesn't matter how many times i've seen it, I always laught. Also, most times I hear a word in english that has "ga", like game, I always hear gay. You can only imagine my face everytime I hear someone saying they're a "gay"mer

Fun fact, that bit in the credits, with the Stan and Hillbilly puppets are a tribute to Stantler and Waldorf from The Muppets. In the old Muppet Show from the 70s, they'd sit in a balcony seat and riff on the show.

Scary fact: When Bill says "Eeeny meeny miney.... YOU", he's quoting Stan in episode 1.

THE DAY HAS COME,WE'VE WAITED ALL THIS TIME. IM SO EXCITED!!!!!

“Hey What’s Up? I’m Gay” I Love That Line So Much, I’m Dying of Laughter 🤣🤣❤️❤️

Fun fact: in the official journal 3 collectors book bill writes about how after he posed dipper he was going to throw him off the water tower killing him in the process he is a horrible monster and it makes me sick

If I had a nickel for anytime Alex Hirsch played a character that got control over the main character’s body. I’d have two nickels. It’s not a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.

This episode is one of my favorites ! That gave us a lot how evil bill really is !

Ooooo this was a juicy Bill episode!! Can’t wait!

Bill Cipher: “Besides, whats your sister done for you lately? How many times have you sacrificed for her, huh? And when has she ever returned the favor?” As much as people would hate to admit it, even though Bill is a villain, he was speaking facts. He pointed out all the times that Dipper helped his sister without question. He saved Mabel from an army of gnomes, he gave up his chances of being with Wendy so that Mabel could win Waddles, and he risked his lifeguard job so that she could save Mermando. I can't remember a time when Mabel helped out her own brother. Its really hard to argue with Bill here.

Bill is the best villain ever

Speaking of Disney's priorities there's a Show on disney junior about a family of dogs and 2 of the dogs dad's got married as a game

i’ve been waiting for this since you started this reaction series

I LOVE THIS REACTION!! you're one of my favorite reaction channels ever and i can't wait to see more of gravity falls, the fans would def bump up faster than you can count so i pray we get more frequent episodes!

Bill Cipher: "Pain is hilarious!" Bill possessing Dipper is so scary and funny at the same time!! The Owl House: Belos possessing Raine Amphibia: The Core possessing Marcy Gravity Falls: Bill Cipher possessing Dipper All 3 villains possessing my favorite characters in my favorite cartoon shows!!!!

Finally continuing with Gravity Falls. I love this series and especially this episode. Can't wait to tune in later 😁

I love when someone calls Mabel out on her BS. Some people have this weird idea that she did nothing wrong and that Dipper is just a stick in the mud.

Finally someone who loves the Ave Maria joke as much as I did XD

BILL IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER OH MY CHAOS GOD, I LOVE SEEING MORE OF BILL! YESSSSSS

Mabel's puppet show does look amazing, but I don't know how she is puppeteering all of them. Also, I lost it when I thought that puppet said "Hey, what's up? I'm gay". That was hilarious!!!!

Bill really said: "plot's going too fast, i have to do something"

Lovin the Pride Beads! Also, I too heard "Hey I'm Gay!" 😂

Elijah is going to have Darcy and Helos flashbacks. TRAUMA!

This is one of my favorite episodes, so happy you finally reacted to it!

9:03 😂😂😂 when he said "race You to bottom of the stairs he let himself fall down, because, he's insane! It was so funny😂😂😂

It is revealed in the journal three copy That after bill destroyed the journal he was planning on throwing dipper's body off of the water tower killing him

This premieres when my shift starts so I'll be watching it when I get home.

6:32 In conclusion, the real villains of this show are Mabel’s boy crushes

Ooh! Bill! 😡 That demonic triangle was just getting started when he possessed Dipper.

Yoo this is what I'm talking about this is what I've been waiting for- an amazing man

I hope you didn’t give up on Gravity Falls

Can I just say I loved your hairstyle in this episode, especially the bangs & beads. 💖💖💖

I still find it intresting that bill doesn't know what tickling/exhaustion is,maybe it's cause he can't be tickled and possibly doesn't need sleep,he literally needs a body to experience those things,I've realized that years ago sure but it still intresting

Surprised she didn't realize the image on the computer is the portal

If she thought Belos was bad, she's gonna have a wild time with Bill when he gets *serious*

10:22 THAT NEEDS TO BE AN AUDIO OR SOMETHING- Girl 1: Thank you mayor! It's true I'm great! But the perfect girl, needs the perfect daaaaate! Girl 2: Hey wassup, I'm gay. Girl 1: WHAAAAAA?! ❤️°❤️

HE'S BAAACK!

OML your hair Elijah it’s beautiful ❤

OMG that's a Tee Turtle tshirt! I love ur style also Finally some more bill action

10:25 I’ll admit it did sound like he said that Gabe: Hey What’s Up I’m Gay Me: 😂😂😂😂😂 Also this 😂😂😂😂😂 So freaking Accurate, The music was so perfect for this scene 13:10

why did u stop watching the series' :(

Este capitulo es uno de mis favoritos! Además de que tu cabello quedó hiper espectacular

Mabel blowing up her puppet show while "Ave Maria" was playing made me rolling on the floor laughing out loud!!!! LOL!!!!! XD XD XD

I know the Gravity Falls team would purposely right jokes that wouldnt pass censors so Disney would ignore the other jokes, so that could explain why some "interesting" jokes got in the series

Oh god!! Finally!!! I was waiting for this for months!! I love this episode. Like allways, love your reaction. Happy pride month 🏳️‍🌈

Oh, when you finish the whole series, wait to the end because they’ll be something waiting for you like the very end the last frame after the credits

This has gotta be one of my favorite episodes ngl