Spider-Man: Web of Mysteries - The Flaws in EDITH's Introduction

Recently, a few snippets of an essay caught my attention. The essay discusses Spider-Man's 'E.D.I.T.H.' device, and while there are valid points to consider, one major flaw in the narrative stands out. The essay fails to mention a key fact: Peter Parker did not possess the spider-sense in his first movie. In Spider-Man, the spider-sense only began to develop in Infinity War, and in Far From Home, we see Peter almost fully mastering it.

The Flaw in EDITH's Introduction

The main criticism revolves around how Peter received the E.D.I.T.H. device, mirroring a similar oversight in how he was given the spider-sense. In his first film, Peter was not trained in the same way as he would be with the advanced suit. The issue wasn't with the E.D.I.T.H. technology itself but with how it was handed over to Peter.

Lessons from the Spider-Suit Introduction

The introduction of the Spider-Suit in the first film also followed a similar malfunction. Tony Stark expected Peter to trust him, much like the arms deal scene on the ferry. Peter had multiple instances of leaving voice messages and texts, only to be brushed off with indifference. Happy told him to 'leave him alone,' which made Peter feel like he was being ignored again. Rather than relying on faith, he took charge and addressed the issue on his own terms.

The Inadequate Handover of EDITH

The introduction of the E.D.I.T.H. device was similarly problematic. Peter received a pair of glasses with a short message but no instructions. It wasn't until he put them on that he realized they had augmented reality or a heads-up display (HUD). Moreover, he was not initially aware of what EDITH was capable of. This mirrors the initial experience with the Spider-Suit, where Peter felt he was being treated like a child due to a perceived 'training wheels protocol.'

The suit was meant to facilitate learning, but Peter had to activate KAREN, which is another character designed to assist and train him. Had Tony provided a mentorship plan or regular training sessions, Peter might have internalized the necessary skills and lessons before being granted more advanced suit functions. Instead, Tony left Peter in the dark, with no clear guidance or expectations.

Peter's Autonomy and Skill Development

Peter is often criticized for pushing too far too quickly, but the root of this issue lies in the lack of mentorship from Tony. Tony's absence in providing guidance and support is a significant part of the narrative. If Tony had simply outlined the plan and explained the limits, Peter could have focused more on internalizing the necessary lessons. The absence of a clear compass left Peter feeling adrift.

Alternative Scenarios

Given this context, an interesting alternate storyline could have been Mephisto tricking Peter out of EDITH with Peter understanding the implications. This scenario would not only introduce depth to the character's decision-making but also change the plot significantly. Instead of Tony's passive role, he could have taken a more active and trusting approach, sharing a detailed PDF on the specifications of EDITH.

In conclusion, the flaws in EDITH's introduction and Peter's experience with EDITH highlight the importance of proper training and clear communication in the development of a superhero. The narrative could have been enriched by showing Peter's growth through active guidance and mentorship, rather than allowing him to navigate complex technology on his own.