A photograph is the only clue for Columbo when two dead men and a seven year old mystery with $4 million dollars involved as well as an obnoxious insurance investigator come into play.
When an unpopular actor on a hot new medical drama (being filmed at Community General) suddenly dies, Mark suspects everyone from the writer to other cast members.
Dr. Sloan investigates the murder of an antagonistic pro volleyball player. Steve searches for an alleged stalker while Amanda and Jack keep an eye on her teammates, none of whom are particularly upset over her death.
Matlock reluctantly agrees to try to keep Michelle's caustic deejay friend from facing the music when he's accused of canceling a rival jock's show, permanently.
Matlock does the investigating when his friend, a burned-out police captain, constructs an elaborate frame to escape a young cop's accusations of murder.
A distraught man (Mitchell Laurance) takes Matlock's friends hostage and, while they wait for his return, Michelle, Julie and Tyler try to dissuade the gunman with tales of Ben's sly detective work and courtroom heroics.
Reporter O'Neill tracks the mayor's killer to Texas while, back in Chicago, Matlock uncovers the motive - a dirty real-estate deal involving a respected judge.
Jenn buys an old reel-to-reel recorder at a garage sale only to find that it includes the sound of a man pleading for his life. Jenn's investigation leads to other patients.
Jennifer Shannon is approached by Tamara Andronicus to solve a puzzle box left behind by Tamara's recently deceased mother-in-law. When Jenn discovers Tamara dead, she begins to suspect that the puzzle box may hold the key.
Jessica is delighted to return to New York City with the announcement of her nephew's impending engagement. A rude maitre d' is murdered at the New York restaurant in which Jessica has just invested.
