This is some analysis of Bill’s AMA. Because I have 2 hours of sleep in me and for some reason think this is a good idea.
So the AMA gave us some interesting worldbuilding information about Bill. Prior, we knew he was an all knowing dream demon, but a lot was left to interpretation. Now we’ve got some more information.
1. Bill is omniscient and omnipotent.
We now know that Bill spies on the world through images of him. Whether this requires a triangle with a circle in the middle or just a triangle is unclear, but either way he’s EVERYWHERE.
From windows, carpets, drawings, trees… Bill has an easy view of almost any room in the Mystery Shack, Gideon’s room, the forest, and even has his image on money and makeup, which EVERYONE has. Bill is so widespread that he can basically see everything and everyone at all times. All he needs is a “peephole.” Which we all readily supply on the margins of our math notes.
How else does Bill spy on us? Well…
2. Bill can enter anyone’s mind at any time.
With these two answers, we see that Bill can watch the people of Gravity Falls through the “skulls of the gullible,” which is basically everyone in the town to be honest. Even if it isn’t, there are plenty of people in town to use. Furthermore, any dreams are free game. All someone has to do is fall asleep…
…or he can to put them to sleep.
And once that’s done, he’s in. Free to watch dreams, make deals, or something… darker.
3. Bill can see potential futures and alternate universes.
Bill’s LOTS OF THINGS flashes revealed some images that occurred later in the show:
Suggesting he had at least SOME knowledge of the future. Yet, he went through with Gideon’s deal and was really mad when it didn’t go through. He made the deal with Dipper, but didn’t know where the journal was. From this, and his answer, there are two conclusions we can make.
A) Bill can only see possible futures, similar to Garnet’s future vision in Steven Universe.
B) Bill sees the future and acts like he can’t. All of his “defeats” are orchestrated to manipulate those around him to act how he wants.
Bill’s rivalry with the Time Baby may suggest Bill is trying to change the future. In Dipper and Mabel’s Guide to Mystery and Nonstop Fun, one code said “Time Baby is worried about Bill.” Could this be because he will change the future so he’ll never come to power? Who knows…
4. Bill’s power is always increasing. And he needs more.
Bill gains power the more he knows. He is angling for a promotion. He wishes he had physical form. (although that comment could also be interpreted as “well, that would have happened if I had physical form”)
Bill is gaining power by becoming more known. Perhaps this is a fourth wall break in a way— we are adding to his power by enjoying his character so much. Look how eager he is to make a deal with the first person.
5. Bill is beginning to gain power outside the Mindscape.
This one is more of a theory than fact, however….
This suggests Bill is in fact the “invisible wizard.” DaMGtMaNF has a cipher that says “The invisible wizard keeps untying Dipper’s shoes.” The wizard is “seen” in in Little Dipper
and in Carpet Diem, which also explains Bill’s comment in Sock Opera.
But here’s the troubling thing: how was Bill able to be kissed by Grenda if he has no physical form outside the mindscape?
Take another look at the cipher from DaMGtMaNF: “The invisible wizard keeps untying Dipper’s shoes.”
How can Bill untie shoes without physical form?
All the followers Bill is gaining, and all the power he gets as a result, is beginning to help him get the physical form he desires. He is beginning to break out of the shackles of the mindscape.
…in theory.
This is basically all we’ve gotten about the extent of Bill’s powers at this time. His plans remain unknown. His relationships to various characters remain foggy. But we’re learning more and more about our favorite demon, which can help us figure it out.
