Zack Tanner

**Zack Tanner** is a major character in the first and second seasons of Age of Darkness. He is portrayed by starring cast member **Dale Drau** and debuts in the series premiere, A War to Come.

As the Chief of Staff for the mayor of Eastbourn, Zack is initially drawn into the machinations of the Coven and the vampires through his work in local politics. However, his personal connections to the town's other residents, particularly his wife Sara and their children, quickly make him a key player in the struggle for power and survival that grips Eastbourn throughout the series. Zack is a complex and dynamic character, with a deep sense of loyalty to his loved ones and a fierce determination to protect them at all costs. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout the show's run, he remains a steadfast ally and friend to those around him, and serves as a shining example of what it means to be a hero in the face of adversity.

## Childhood

Zack's early life was defined by hardship and tragedy. Born and raised in the neighboring town of Southbourn, his parents toiled tirelessly to make ends meet, but poverty remained a constant struggle.

When Zack was just 11 years old, his world was turned upside down when his mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cervix cancer. Desperate for a cure, his parents made a fateful decision - they agreed to sell their son to the powerful and mysterious Coven, led by the enigmatic Zelda Blackburn. Confused and afraid, Zack had no idea why the Coven needed him, but he was about to find out.

Miraculously, an unnamed witch intervened and rescued Zack from the Coven's clutches. However, he was left without a home or a family, and was ultimately sent to an orphanage in Eastbourn. It was there that he met Sara, a kindred spirit who would become his closest friend and eventually his wife.

Through hardship and adversity, Zack persevered, determined to make a life for himself and protect those he loved. But the ghosts of his past would continue to haunt him, as he grappled with the trauma of his childhood and the secrets that still remained shrouded in mystery.

## Early years

Zack's high school years at Eastbourn Community High School were fueled by one burning desire - to propose to the love of his life, Sara. From the tender age of 16, he had dreamt of spending the rest of his days with her, and finally, on their third anniversary, he mustered the courage to ask for her hand in marriage.

With the ring on her finger and their future together set in motion, Zack dove headfirst into the working world, landing a gig as the mayor's assistant. Little did he know that his work ethic and natural talent would soon catch the eye of the mayor himself, Reginald, who made Zack his right-hand man, entrusting him with all manner of important tasks.

But as if the excitement of building a career and a family wasn't enough, Zack and Sara had even bigger news on the horizon - they were expecting their first child. The gender remained a mystery until the day of the birth, and on November 29th, 2009, they welcomed their precious daughter, Rebekah, into the world.

The following years were marked by countless milestones and moments of joy - buying their first home, building a life together, and watching Rebekah grow into a bright and beautiful young girl. And when Sara became pregnant with their second child, they knew it was time to make another big move, upgrading to a bigger house just in time for their son Leonard's arrival on June 18th, 2017.

## Throughout the Series

* Season One
* Season Two

Zack's life takes a dangerous turn as he delves deeper into the machinations of the Coven and their dark agenda. As he continues to work alongside the mayor, his family grows increasingly concerned for his safety, knowing that he is getting closer and closer to the truth.

As he uncovers the horrifying secret of his own blood - which the Coven uses as a sacrifice during The Grand Ritual - Zack realizes that his mission to prevent war between the Coven and the vampires is more crucial than ever. Along the way, he forms alliances with the fierce and cunning Lauren, and later with the suave and sophisticated Emmett and the wild and unpredictable Miranda.

But just as he thinks he has a handle on things, a shocking revelation in Episode 7 turns his world upside down and exposes the true nature of those around him. Betrayed and alone, Zack must face the consequences of his actions and the harsh reality that some people cannot be trusted.

As the season comes to a close, Zack finds himself dealing with the fallout of his decisions, including a painful separation from Sara and the daunting task of raising his children alone in Season 2.
But just as he begins to find his footing as a single parent, a new danger emerges, threatening the safety and well-being of his family once again. With his world in turmoil, Zack must draw on every ounce of courage and strength he has to protect those he loves and uncover the truth about the forces that seek to destroy him.