Summary:

An elderly man believes he will die when his grandfather clocks runs down, and he is freed when he lets go of this idea.

 

Bechdel Test:

  • Passes!
  • Marnie talks to a friend about the nursery and the grandfather clock

 

Gender Roles of Important Characters:

  • Marnie
    • Masculine (3)
      • Defends own beliefs, leadership ability, acts as a leader
    • Feminine (8)
      • Affectionate, loyal, sympathetic, sensitive to others’ needs, eager to soothe hurt feelings, soft-spoken, tender, gentle
  • Sam
    • Masculine (4)
      • Defends own beliefs, independent, strong personality, willing to take risks
    • Feminine (6)
      • Yielding, soft-spoken, warm, tender, loves children, gentle
  • Doug
    • Masculine (5)
      • Defends own beliefs, assertive, analytical, leadership ability, acts as a leader
    • Feminine (5)
      • Sympathetic, sensitive to others’ needs, compassionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, tender

 

Analysis:

This episode did fairly well. It passed the Bechdel test, which is always good. It also contained disruptive gender roles, such as Sam, the grandfather, who was both stern at times but generally very kind and sweet. These gender roles also weren’t punished, as they are at other times, as this episode ends happily. This being said, it could have still improved. Marnie played a classic housewife, put in charge of all of the household obligations, despite her pregnancy. This was clearly an issue.

Shared by: Grace White
Image Credit: The Twilight Zone, CBS via Netflix