While the construction of this episode and plot at face value was good, I have to admit the parallel between this episode, Ford and Stanley;s past, and "Little Gift Shop of Horror"s Abaconings really alarmed me. While Ford and Stanley's conflict has been played mostly evenly and without bias (allowing fans to decide what they think for themselves, or more hopefully, realize that both have good points despite their glaring flaws), "Abaconings" is listed as a Dethroning Moment of Suck and Family-Unfriendly Aesop for a reason: because it not only favors the one left behind but blatantly disregards the other's desires as unimportant compared to them. I think the YMMV page put it best: "[Abaconings] goes out of its way to show that using your gifts to help better humanity isn't as important as your best friend being comfortable with your life choices. Also, you shouldn't accept changes in your friends even if they're happy about them, and are right to ask them to return to how they were if the changes make you uncomfortable."
Ideally, "Dipper and Mabel Vs. The Future" bringing up the reoccurring theme started in "Abaconings" of achieving success and chasing your dreams vs. being a dutiful family member means they will now begin to deal with the problems apparent in that short story. Stan's the one who made "Abaconings" up, clearly indicating that he still believes his brother should had given up all of his dreams and chances of success just for him, and that's just as screwed up and selfish as his brother's desire for total separation. Ideally compromise between the two extremes is the most fair and healthy solution for both their relationship and Dipper and Mabel's right now, if they ever get this Apocalypse thing worked out. But given how the last few episodes have been, I'm starting to doubt the writer's ability to pull it off.
There is a trend theme in Gravity Falls with Dipper and Mabel, of sacrifice and what's worth sacrificing for. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The fact that this episode is similar in set up to one of Gravity Falls' most poorly done examples of this theme means that the show has the chance to either correct one of the biggest flaws in the series or totally bomb it, and makes me really, really nervous. I hope they prove my fears unfounded.
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Dipper and Mabel VS The Future: Mother of...
I can describe this episode in two words:
HOLY SH*T!
This episode is the setup for the story climax, and boy, it's done with brilliance.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
The plot of this episode is divided in two plots: Dipper and Mabel. As the 13th birthday of the twins is getting close, Mabel starts planning the party. Meanwhile, Dipper is accompanying Ford on a mission to seal the rift, as it's starting to crack apart.
Things get WILD from this point onwards. Dipper REALLY Took a Level in Badass in this episode by saving Ford from the alien security systems(yes, now there are aliens in the Gravity Falls canon) and was set as a potential apprentice for him too...which means separating from Mabel. She, on the other hand, is confronted with growing up. Reality Ensues as everything she thought of the end of the summer are ideals crumbling apart(her friends can't be there for her birthday, the proposal of Highschool is not dreamy) and she's not happy to hear the news of Dipper going away from her. Cue emotional breakdown.
This is done so well, as both parties remain comprehensible on their choices.
-Dipper is conflicted about his decision but has a lifetime opportunity ahead of him in Ford's proposal. Ford, while partially cynic, has a point. Not only is his stance on family comprehensible due his backstory, but it's true is not fair to hold the dreams of someone back, and Dipper must be allowed to pursue them.
-Mabel is still growing up. It's fine for her to feel confused and have her closest confident going away when she needs him most is quite the critical blow.
The best part, however, is the ending. Bill pulled one hell of a Batman Gambit, taking the rift from an emotionally needed Mabel through the hands of Blendin(brilliant choice of possessed BTW). He finally breaks it and starts the Weirdmaggedon (hey, Ford's naming choice)
SPOILERS END.
So what works in this episode? EVERYTHING. Likely the darkest episode in GF so far, and one of the best written too. The characterization was on spot. They were all at their best and even when characters did wrong, it was executed in a way in tone with their personalities and comprehensible so they aren't unlikable. The wait on the...frankly unstellar last three episodes paid off, as this is just thrill incarnated, excelling in creating anticipation for the finale.