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:

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 Cynthea talk about the fate of Cynthea's daughter, Sarah. Although the conversation briefly does touch on a man (Bacchus), it quickly goes back to comparing Sarah's fate to Eurydice's.

Cynthea: My baby's been sent to Tartarus because she was a Bacchae. Because of you.

Eurydice: I'm sorry. None of us meant to help Bacchus hurt people. I was like Sarah. I thought Bacchus was an answer to all my problems.
Cynthea: If you were like Sarah, then why are you still here?! Why were you spared?!
Eurydice: I haven't been spared. I'm so sorry for the pain I've caused you. I don't know how to fix it.
Cynthea: You can't!

Eurydice: If I could trade places with your daughter, I would.

1.25 Herc's Nemesis

• Nemesis and Hera briefly speak about Nemesis's talents before the conversation goes to her father.
• Hera and Stregna talk about Nemesis.

Hera: Well done, Nemesis. You have a talent for dealing with mortals who dare challenge the gods.
Nemesis: I have no choice but to fulfill my obligation.

Hera: Stregna. Nemesis has disobeyed my command. If you wish to become goddess of justice, you must prove your worth... by destroying her.

Stregna: I will not let you down, Hera.
Hera: Dip this arrow in the bowl of Hind's blood - the only thing that can kill a god. Careful - a scratch and you will be lost. Nemesis is clever. You will only have one chance.

Stregna: I'll only need one.

1.29 Sisters

• Kora and Cleo

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1.30 The Golden Bow

• Kora and Artemis

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1.31 Home for the Holidays

• Lilith and Alcmene

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1.35 My Fair Lilith

• Lilith and Dido

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1.38 Me, Myself, and Eye

• The Fates?

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1.44 Parents Day

• Lilith and Nina

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