197: Alex Mack Is a Lesbian Icon

“Bad Girl” (November 12, 1996)

If you were not the target audience (and target age) for this live-action Nickelodeon series, you may be shocked to find out that The Secret World of Alex Mack is a sci-fi show. It’s basically Spider-Man with a baby gay lead protagonist, played with remarkable aplomb by Larisa Oleynik. We’re joined by Katie Mathewson, screenwriter on Hawkeye and the breakout hit Jury Duty, to discuss how very queer this show is — and in particular this episode, which plays out like a mid-90s lesbian teen romcom.

Check out Lizzie Borden (no, not that one), who directed this episode and may have played a role in giving it its queer vibe.

Listen to Drew and Glen talk about Conan O’Brien’s failed pilot Lookwell on Talking Simpsons!

Watch the new season of Ninjago: Dragons Rising June 1 on Netflix! And if you don’t know what a Ninjago is, watch Ninjago Decoded, starting here.

Listen to the newest episode of Deep Cuts & Superficial Wounds here.

You can now watch Glen’s movie, Being Frank, on Freevee via Amazon Prime. WATCH IT NOW!

Episode artwork by Ian O’Phelan.