On the newest episode of Wayward Pines, “Choices,” Ethan learned more about Wayward Pines and how it exactly came to be.

SPOILER: there was a lot of angsty turmoil and confusing, convoluted logic as to why Wayward Pines was created.

The Bechdel, Russo, and Race Test

“Choices” had a terrible time when it came to the diversity tests, and the episode did not pass the Bechdel, Russo or race test.

“Choices” did not pass any of the diversity tests because on the two or three occasions where named women did talk to each other, men were mentioned; because there were no identifiable LGBTI characters in the episode: and because the handful of non-White characters that appeared in “Choices” never spoke to each other.

*The Bechdel test entails three requirements:
1. It has to have at least two (named) women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man

**The Vito Russo test entails three requirements:
1. The show contains a character that is identifiably lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and/or transgender
2. The character must not be solely or predominately defined by her sexual orientation, gender identity and/or as being intersex
3.The character must be tied into the plot in such a way that her removal would have a significant effect

***The race or people of color (POC) test has three requirements:
1. It has two people of color in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something other than a White person

****Just because a show passes the Bechdel, Russo and race test does not mean that it is not sexist, heterosexist, racist and/or cissexist, etc. The Bechdel, Russo and race test is only a bare minimum qualifier for the representation of LGBTI individuals, women and people of color in television. The failure to pass these tests also does not identify whether the central character was a woman, a person of color or a LGBTQI individual and it does not dictate the quality of the show.