Who is Dr. Eric Iverson from Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons and what is their importance?

Eric is Merit's first husband. He was raised by a cruel, abusive father who often took out his anger on Eric. When Eric married Merit, he continued the cycle of abuse against her, hitting, belittling and her names, making her feel as though nothing she can do is good enough for him. Merit spends years hiding her injuries and trying to be perfect to stop him from hurting her. Her efforts, however, are futile because there is no way to stop Eric from hurting her. When the Angry Housewives see Eric hurting Merit and rush to save her, Eric threatens to kill them all. The next day, typical to his style, Eric sends all the housewives flowers with a card suggesting they forget what they witnessed. A divorce takes place shortly afterward. Eric continues to be mean and nasty to Merit and a neglectful father to their daughters. When their oldest child graduates from college, Eric and Merit have a confrontation that leaves Merit feeling empowered.