Let’s talk about America. No—not that America ... Captain America, who—despite being a science experiment in high-waisted pants—somehow manages to be the most grounded Avenger in a sea of flying metal suits and literal gods with hammer fetishes.

This week, Mandy invites longtime friend and deep-level comic nerd John Mundy to hold her hand as she dives headfirst into Captain America: The First Avenger. And, it’s an episode that is more packed than Chris Evans’ post-serum pecs.

Together, Mandy and John embark on a cinematic journey that includes the ethics of weaponized patriotism, or as we like to call it, “Red, White, and Whoop-Ass.” There’s a deep dive into Marvel tropes: why all skinny underdogs are secret geniuses and why throwing a garbage can lid can get you drafted into heroism. There’s a detour into CGI that makes you say, “Wait, is that a bobblehead with abs? Of course the show addresses the sex appeal of moral fortitude. Yes, really.

But that’s not all! Mandy also gets misty-eyed over soldier rescues, super-serums, and a surprisingly moving romance between a supersoldier and a woman who can shoot a Nazi from 40 paces without smudging her lipstick. Honestly, it’s all quite wholesome until the face-peeling starts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to become a nerd in real time—with only vague recollections of Spider-Verse, a stubborn commitment to romantic fantasy novels, and a heart full of justice—this episode is for you. Plus, there’s an actual moment when a teenager discovers their sexuality thanks to Chris Evans emerging from a transformation chamber glistening like a Christmas ham. Iconic.

Links & Notes

• 🌐 Join our Nerds at makemeanerd.com
• 📸 Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandy_kaplan_klavens
• 🐦 Find Mandy on Bluesky: @MandyMiscast