Bernard Behrens

While fronting for an Irish peace group, poet Joe Devlin arranges a clandestine meeting with illicit arms dealer Vincent Pauley. When Pauley tries to pull off a double-cross, Devlin slays him even though it means eliminating his only source of illicit arms for Irish rebels. Lt. Columbo attempts to link Devlin with Pauley on a few flimsy clues, but the happy poet tries to sidetrack the detective with his Irish charm, whiskey and a competitive game of darts at his favorite pub. In time, Lt. Columbo realizes the only hope he has of nabbing Devlin is to link him with the arms smuggling caper.

Laura and Andy are determined to find out who has been robbing the mercantile and stealing food from people. The "Garvey and Ingalls Detective Agency" is officially in business, but it ultimately causes more harm than good.

A promising basketball player's dreams are sidelined by a heart condition. He thinks all is lost, until an angelic influence helps him overcome his illiteracy and brighten his future.

Miss Ellie plans the annual Ewing Barbecue to coincide with Jock's expected return to Southfork. The barbecue gets underway with all of the intrigues inherent at most of the big Ewing functions. J.R. and Sue Ellen find a renewed interest in each other while Cliff Barnes realizes that he may still love Sue Ellen. Lucy is annoyed when Mitch is called away by a patient and Ray gets drunk and embarrasses Donna.

While attempting to break a case involving a ring of thieves using an answering service as a front, Ponch meets a kindergarten teacher who is campaigning against drunk drivers. They fall deeply in love and Ponch announces their engagement. However, their plans are shattered by a tragic event.