I took Zack for being one of those with faulty wiring in the sense that his intelligence is really hindering him in RL. His lack in social skills is adamant and that would readily put him in the claws of a manipulating psychopath. It totally rang true to me. The boy wanted nothing more than to 'belong'. I think they love him for his shortcomings, and from Hodges' part it's guilt too.

Oh Probie, I do love him when he makes his bitch faces! *g*