How Many 'Game of Thrones' Episodes Pass the Bechdel Test?
Women really do have it worse than men in Westeros.
![Outerwear, Art, Visual arts, Painting,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xu4Pkgm8VPiFAixZ84WwKR-415-80.png)
For all the feverish love and acclaim Game of Thrones has accrued over the years, the show has also taken plenty of flack for its gender politics. The criticism of its gratuitous use of nudity and sexual violence reached a peak two years ago, with the rape of Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) widely slammed as an offensive misstep, a sexual assault that was used to motivate a male observer—Alfie Allen's Theon—rather than the female victim.
And while the Game of Thrones writers have made some serious amends over the last two years, a fascinating new report by Broadly suggests that women are still far worse off in Westeros than men. In addition to compiling every single instance of rape, death, and nudity on the show (which, yeah, I'm exhausted just thinking about this task), the report took a look through every single episode to see how many pass the Bechdel Test.
RELATED STORIES
In case you're not up to speed, the Bechdel Test is a quick (and by no means perfect) way of measuring gender bias in media. In order to pass, a film or TV episode must: a) contain at least two named female characters, b) who have a conversation, c) that isn't about a man. Not passing the test doesn't automatically make a project sexist, any more than passing it automatically makes a project empowering to women, but it's extremely telling how much classic pop culture doesn't pass the test.
With that caveat...Game of Thrones did not do well, guys. Just 18 episodes out of the 67 to date pass the test, with seasons one, five, and seven all managing four Bechdel-approved episodes apiece. While the report doesn't say how many Game of Thrones episodes pass the Bechdel Test in reverse—i.e. manage to contain a scene in which two men discuss something other than a woman—I'm going to go ahead and guess it's every single one of them.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
A Guide to the Dragonseeds in 'House of the Dragon'
We're breaking down the bastards with Valyrian blood—and how they could influence the future of the show.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Did Aegon Die in 'House of the Dragon?' A Breakdown of Season 2 Episode 4
We're breaking down *that* death, including what happens in George R. R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
What Happened in the 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Premiere?
The 'Game of Thrones' prequel returned with one of the franchise's most brutal scenes ever.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
How Victoria Justice Learned to Use Her Voice on the Set of 'Victorious'
The former Nickelodeon star recalls what it was like to speak up to adults on set as a child.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones Tease an Announcement: "We've Got Some News to Share"
The former 'Normal People' costars and IRL best friends seem to have a new project in the works.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Woman Who Inspired Martha in 'Baby Reindeer' Calls the Series "a Work of Fiction" In a YouTube Interview
A woman has come forward as the alleged inspiration behind Martha in the hit Netflix series.
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
The Best 'Friends' Episodes of All Time
Could these BE any better?
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated