Bechdel Test

The Bechdel Test, sometimes called the Mo Movie Measure or Bechdel Rule is a simple test for film and other media which names the following three criteria:

• It has to have at least two [named] women in it
• Who talk to each other
• About something besides a man.

The test was popularized by Alison Bechdel's comic Dykes to Watch Out For, in a 1985 strip called The Rule:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gAF_bCo_4Y/TexG3UuxAMI/AAAAAAAAAsk/1RnUFtjHXOw/s1600/The+Bechdel+Test.jpg

Two further two points should be noted:

• Passing or failing the test has no bearing at all on whether a film (or other media) is good.
• Passing the test does not necessarily make it more feminist, or otherwise, positive-for-women.

So what is it, then? A crude tool to start thinking about sexism in cinema. One film failing is not a problem. When all the films you know bar one or two fail, it suggests a bigger picture where, broadly, women have nothing to do. They’re either absent, or exist purely to support male protagonists. It implies their underdevelopment – they don’t have personalities, interests or roles in the plot outside of said male protagonists. - The Bechdel Test: What It Is, And Why It Matters

For more information about the Bechdel Test, see:

• Bechdel Test Movie List
• Wikipedia: The Bechdel Test
• TV Tropes Wiki: Bechdels Rule
• The Bechdel Test: What It Is, And Why It Matters

Even though Young Hercules is a show that primarily focuses on three male leads with few female characters, it still manages to pass the test every so often. Episodes that pass the Bechdel Test:

1.09 Amazon Grace

• Lilith and Cyane talk about why Lilith is at the academy and fitting in while throwing javelins.
• Lilith, Cyane, and Simula are seen talking as the camera pans around the bonfire - presumably they are talking about life as an Amazon or some other non-man related topic.
• At the end of the episode, Lilith asks to join Cyane's tribe.

Lilith: Care to join me in my javelin drills?

Cyane: Sure. So... why do you train with boys?
Lilith: Well, I wanted to be a warrior. There was no academy for women, so I came here. It’s the best. I’m just having a little trouble fitting in.

Cyane: An Amazon warrior takes pride in who she is, not how she fits in with others.

Cyane: It's gonna be a long, hard journey.

Lilith: Hey, I would love to join in that journey... if you’ll have me.
Cyane: Well, of course you’re welcome.

Lilith: Yes!

1.22 A Lady in Hades

• Eurydice and Cynthia

1.25 Herc's Nemesis

• Nemesis and Strenga

1.29 Sisters

• Kora and Cleo

1.30 The Golden Bow

• Kora and Artemis

1.31 Home for the Holidays

• Lilith and Alcmene

1.35 My Fair Lilith

• Lilith and Dido

1.38 Me, Myself, and Eye

• The Fates?

1.44 Parents Day

• Lilith and Nina