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.
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What is Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan?
Hey folks. Mandy Kaplan here. I’d like to share a bit about my intentions and mission for MMAN if you’ll indulge me. You will? Huzzah!
Look, I am a lot of things. I’m a writer, actress, mother, and lover of musicals and cats, but NOT Cats, The Musical. Give me a little bit of credit, would ya? So...throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded (and intrigued) by all things nerd. A sister who plays D&D, a Star Wars-obsessed husband, friends who love anime, comic books, video games, and...well, you get the picture. Somehow, I have always held it all at arm's length. Not to get too deep, but maybe I never thought I was smart enough to follow it. Or maybe I have control issues and have never been able to embrace fantastical things like dragons and time travel. Until now!
So, with an open mind and heart, I am ready to join this massive (and beautifully inclusive) club and GEEK THE #%$ OUT! It’s time for all my wonderfully strange friends to baptize me into NERD-DOM. Please join me on this journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover or remember a side of yourself along the way. Or at least make fun of me as I try!