maydaygirl-save-our-ships:

The future new fans of Gravity Falls will never be able to watch the show like we did, and that’s just heartbreaking.

I’m not talking about having to wait for the episodes. That definitely sucked.

I’m talking about the fandom getting a leaked image of the “author of the journals,” thinking we were completely spoiled… only to find out it was Alex trolling us the entire time.

I’m talking about the searchfortheblindeye

The Bill AMA

The countdown

Of course, future fans can go back and look at these things, and read about them, but it’s not the same. Most people will probably finish the show first and then learn about these extra things on Wikipedia. That’s fine, but it’s not half as exciting, and tear-your-hair-out-frustrating, as the adventure we had.

Plus, it’s hard to just watch the show and figure out the mysteries on your own. The solutions came from conversations between fans; comparing notes and theories together. Who is the llama symbol? Could Wendy possibly be the bag of ice? There is always ice when she’s around…

Look at what happens when I play this backwards…

You know, I think Stan might have a twin brother…

I’m not saying the show can’t be enjoyed without having the entire internet to theorize with you, but it definitely made it all the more exciting. More than that, it made the show feel real.

We were alongside Dipper and Mabel, putting the pieces together just as they were.

Alex and the crew did so much to bring the show to life. Bill took over his twitter. There were those videos about Stan getting questioned by the government right before that big episode. The statue that has still yet to be found… and so many more.

I’m not trying to sound hipster and say we enjoyed it first so we’re better or anything dumb like that. I’m not saying there is a wrong way to enjoy the show. I’m just saying that the experience we had together as a fandom will never be had again by anyone.

I feel really lucky that I found the show when I did and I’m grateful for everything Alex and the crew did to include us.

Bottom line:

We didn’t just watch a mystery show. Together, we solved a mystery show.