I realized something no one brought up after ‘The epic tales of Captain Underpants’ in regards to (*deep sigh of annoyance*) Krupp’s terrible excuse for the mom.
Which is, if Edith was around in the show, or if THAT version of his mom existed in the film!universe ... what would exactly happen?
Because honestly, I think there’s no way in hell Krupp would let Edith near his mom. Considering how much she made his life miserable and drove him into having a damaged mentality that he retained into his adulthood, he wouldn’t want Edith to have to deal with her. He wouldn’t want her to have to deal with how awful that woman could be, or to have her hear her insult him or see the memories of his awful childhood. Like she wouldn’t be saying friendly teasing things or adorable, yet embarassing stories that I imagine most parents would give to the significant other of their child–this would be like MAJOR putting him down and humiliating him in front of the woman he adores.
He wouldn’t want Edith to get insulted or hurt in the process, or to have one of the few things about his life that makes him happy be ruined.
But on the other hand, Edith looks like the type who might be able to do more than just handle herself. If she had to met Krupp’s mom sooner or later, she’d be horrified and saddened because suddenly some things are starting to make sense. I think she wouldn’t say anything out of politeness, but then it would take one too many insults for her to finally put her foot down and face this woman.
I think she would tell her that she shouldn’t call her son a disappointment and should have supported him–he managed to get an education, get a hard job that requires a lot of work and having to deal with a lot of hard issues, and he’s been doing just fine, and she should be proud of him. He’s ben capable of FAR more things than she thinks.
(And I think as much as she almost wants to tell this woman about her son’s ‘other’ occupation–let her know that he’s done the impossible, nearly risked his life more than once, and has support the whole time– she can’t because she can tell right away that this woman could take advantage of it if she ever found out).
Also, Edith would make it VERY clear how proud she is of Benjamin and how much she cares about him, what’s past is past, she enjoys being with him, and that he deserved a far better parental figure than his own mother before leaving.
...And as a fun bonus, Benjamin would have heard that conversation and I think he would be more than surprised. Given that he clearly didn’t have a lot of other (nicer) adults to look up to, this would mean a lot to him and most likely he’d appreciate and adore Edith even more.
(Also on a side note, if Benjamin ever by some miracle had a child, I highly doubt he’d leave that kid alone with his mom).