Zalman Drake was the latest, and sadly last, in a long line of stage magicians, as well as the proprietor of Drake's Magic Shop. His skills were much recognized in magic circles, although he lacked the charisma to make it into the top flight. Just before "Poof! You're Dead", and despite his side work designing illusions for others, the shop was in severe financial difficulties. As the episode opens so does the shop, and Zalman's unlucky assistant, Eliza Winter, finds her ex-boss in a water tank.