- Introduction
- Show Selection:
- Name the show and explain your reasons for choosing it
- How successful or popular is the show?
- What are the ratings?
- Has it won any awards?
- What has been the critical response?
- What has been the cultural impact?
- Provide the following background information on the series:
- Where did the show originate(specific channel or streaming service)?
- If it is on a broadcast network or cable, what day and time does it originally air?
- How long has the series been in production?
- Has the show had the same producer or showrunner from the beginning of the show? Who is the creative force behind the show?
- Episode Context:
- Briefly summarize the episode’s main plot points.
- State your expectations before conducting the analysis. Do you predict that the episode will pass or fail the Bechdel Test? Why or Why not?
- Provide context for the episode within the series by providing:
- Where does it fall in the season?
- What significant developments have taken place this season?
- Data Collection:
- Summarize the interactions that took place in your selected episode.
- Include the following:
- Note how many conversations involved two or more women.
- What are the range of topics in those conversations?
- Highlight whether the conversations met or failed the Bechdel criteria.
- Reflect Upon Your Findings:
- Did the results align with your expectations? Why or why not?
- Did the episode pass or fail the Bechdel test
- Consider the implications of:
- What does this say about the show’s representation of women?
- How important are the female characters to the plot?
- If the episode failed the test, are there any positive qualities in its portrayal of women?
- If it passes, how strongly does it meet or exceed the criteria?
- Conclusion
Professor Karen Sichler 