For this essay, I am going to analyze how the show Shameless represents women and passes the three criteria of the Bechdel test. I will examine the episodes entitled “It’s Time to Kill the Turtle” in season 1 episode 8 from Shameless. First off, the Bechdel test is an important metric for determining whether shows or films can reach a diversity quotient that clearly depicts and represents women in a dimensional manner. It also quantifies how a program handles its female characters and female leads as far as giving them a distinct, and significant developing role throughout the show; rather than using them to only promote and establish their male counterparts. The first criterion of the Bechdel test, is that the show must have at least two
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In season 1 episode 8 of Shameless, we see Fiona struggle to make enough money to pay for the bills and other household necessities like toothpaste, diapers, and toilet paper. Fiona is desperate to find something permanent and in this episode, we have her discuss these problems with a payroll lady named Gisella and her best friend Veronica. In this episode, we also see Veronica speak to her new foster daughter, Ethel, to make her feel comfortable and more at home. This episode has more than two named female characters, so already, it is off to a great …show more content…
Although this scene seems insignificant, it passes the three criteria of the Bechdel test since we have two named female characters who talk with each other about something other than another male character. In the next scene, Fiona enters a payroll center and speaks with the woman at the counter. At first, the woman says hello to Fiona by saying, “hey girl.” Fiona then responds by naming the woman Gisella and asking her if her check is in. Fiona learns that she will not be able to get paid until next Friday then Gisella recommends Fiona to work at a place named Sticks and Skates that could get her the money she needs in the meantime. Gisella also recommends her to take a PowerPoint class so that Fiona can find something more permanent that would pay her around $20 per hour in the future. Once again, we see the three conditions of the Bechdel test being completed because Gisella and Fiona are two named female characters who discuss pay, jobs, and other important matters that have nothing to do with men or other male
In season 1 episode 8 of Shameless, we see Fiona struggle to make enough money to pay for the bills and other household necessities like toothpaste, diapers, and toilet paper. Fiona is desperate to find something permanent and in this episode, we have her discuss these problems with a payroll lady named Gisella and her best friend Veronica. In this episode, we also see Veronica speak to her new foster daughter, Ethel, to make her feel comfortable and more at home. This episode has more than two named female characters, so already, it is off to a great …show more content…
Although this scene seems insignificant, it passes the three criteria of the Bechdel test since we have two named female characters who talk with each other about something other than another male character. In the next scene, Fiona enters a payroll center and speaks with the woman at the counter. At first, the woman says hello to Fiona by saying, “hey girl.” Fiona then responds by naming the woman Gisella and asking her if her check is in. Fiona learns that she will not be able to get paid until next Friday then Gisella recommends Fiona to work at a place named Sticks and Skates that could get her the money she needs in the meantime. Gisella also recommends her to take a PowerPoint class so that Fiona can find something more permanent that would pay her around $20 per hour in the future. Once again, we see the three conditions of the Bechdel test being completed because Gisella and Fiona are two named female characters who discuss pay, jobs, and other important matters that have nothing to do with men or other male