Shared some thoughts on discord about Stan's attitude during Weirdmaggedon and thought it deserved repeating.
I personally think Stan acting all dismissive was him just trying to cope with the situation.
We all know he keeps up that gruff exterior even though he isnt all that. I headcannon that when he was acting dismissive, he was trying to reassure himself and the kids that Ford was fine, as well as keep his focus on his priority: the kids. If Dipper and Mabel weren't so determined and hadn't so endeared themselves to the townsfolk, earning the backing of the rest of the survivors, I can easily see Stan enforcing the "bunker down where its safe" while he struggled to think of a what to do next. Obviously, he would want to try to save Ford but at that point what is he going to do?
Seriously, while Stan had been prepping to some extent for some form of world ending disaster, he was NOT prepared for THAT. Even with his knowledge of the weird paranatural world and some idea of multiversal powers at play, he did not know nor could've expected anything from Weirdmageddon.
Yes, he is scared for and worried about Ford, but he cannot afford to risk his neck when he has other people to consider. While Ford is and has always been high on Stan's list of concerns, Dipper and Mabel rank higher and that's the simple truth.
One might say that this is because he is closer to the kids at this time, and that may be an element, no denying that. But you cannot forget that they are also children. Stan can put more trust in Ford protecting himself than the kids, which sounds cynical but it's a fact.
Have you've ever been asked or have pondered on your own the question: If my family and/or best friends were trapped in a burning house, who would I save first? It's a painful scenario to contemplate, and you'll probably have a bad taste in your mouth and a twinge of guilt if and when you reach a conclusion. Now apply that sort if thinking to Stan's situation during Weirdmageddon.
People often say that Stan is selfish, and yes he is. But he is not self-centered. His priority is and has always been the welfare of his family.
During Weirdmageddon Stan is absolutly overwhelmed, out of his element, stressed beyond belief and trying to deal with things how he sees is best for his family's overall safety. He's going with the flow and simply trying to cope with the nightmare scenario.
