I tried to read the posts since the update so I don't repeat things, but I kinda gave up and I'll ask for forgiveness if I say some things that are already talked about!
So, first off all, I've been disappointed with the last update for 2 major reasons:
1. The backstory feels REALLY long, when that time should probably go to moving the story ahead. This backstory didn't give us any new information on MC or Iris, it just show us what we already kinda knows: She's the 1st girlfriend who "helped him become who he is" (and that John is f'n awesome).
2. I really, realllllly HATE when a MC act dumb just for the sake of the storyline. The WHOLE storyline with MC/Zach/Ethan was sooooo dumb. Why didn't MC told ANYTHING to "defend" himself in front of Zach? Ethan should get an Oscar? Fuck no, MC should receive a lemon award for worst interaction with an enemy. Why didn't he tell Zach to ask Eryn/Alexis who was bullying who in the past? Or that he left town in part because of him. Why didn't he tell him that Ethan wasn't "flirting with a girl" but physically harrasing Eryn (someone who Zach LOVE very much)? At least, it would've made sense if Ethan whispered in MC ear that he would show Eryn video if MC contradict anything he will say (at the beginning, while Zach talk to the other guys of something like that). MC would've had a reason to be unable to react to any BS thrown to him.
Also, why would we get friendship points with Zach if, in the end, he will always side with Ethan and punch MC? Even if Zach apologize in the future, he cross the line too much in that moment. I feel like Nyx kinda gave up on Zach and will bring back the other friend from the past, since he was shown a lot in this episode (part of the backstory that felt really long. If he comeback, that backstory wouldn't just be for Iris and could make more sense).
I'll try to wrap it up quickly with 2 "theories" that I've seen people talk about:
Eryn's fate: It really feels like a red herring. Eryn story is far from over, so it's pretty much sure she isn't dead. Also, I doubt the game will include a forced rape storyline, that's an HEAVY decision to make that could make people lose interest in the game (since it's not that kind of game, and it's pretty much unavoidable). My guess? She's been drugged BEFORE the show by Ethan so she made a fool of herself at the show and lose credibility. Ethan is seeing that he's losing grip, even with the video treat, so he might just want to make her desperate for opportunities.
John/Iris/Eryn connection: I've seen a lot of people basing this assumption only with the desctiption for Eryn's father being a "blond, tattoo'ed, viking type", but we also have to read between the line and what would make a good storyline. We know that Iris have a crush on Eryn. Iris is someone who love herself, she know she's beautiful, so it would make sense that someone with half her blood could be her type. On John side, he seem to get along really well with Emily, and it's kinda hinting that they might go out to get a drink, or at least there's some interest. Imagine Emily coming back from a date with John and bumping into Melissa? That's the kind of drama that make good story. And it's not like he broke Melissa's heart, so I'm pretty sure she would even be happy for Emily, or at least not angry. And it might be the opening MC need for a moment with Melissa, if she feels alone while her best friend is dating her "ex".
Also, someone said that Melissa would've talk about him to Emily. But she already got Eryn at this point, so the father was someone from 1 year prior to their meeting. They didn't have cellphone or social media in that time, so how would she describe him so perfectly that Emily would recognize him 20 years later? And if Melissa didn't want to talk about the father, since he isn't important for her and Eryn, Emily wouldn't push her to have any details. So it make 100% sense that Emily would've 0 way to connect John with Melissa/Eryn.
