Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk) keeps a close watch on a physical-fitness fanatic (Robert Conrad) suspected of murdering his business partner.
Harm is assigned to a congressional committee investigating a TV reporter's story that accuses U.S. forces of using chemical weapons in the Gulf War.
Harm goes to Russia to help in reforming Russian military law; however, complications arise. Mac and Bud prosecute a Naval officer for espionage, then she too goes to Moscow. Harriet gets a small surprise, and Harm gets a large one.
Harm is distraught when his newly discovered half-brother, Sergei, is framed for a crime punishable by death, while Mac arrives in Russia to prevent a presidential assassination.
The whole squad is shocked and saddened when the passerby killed in a bar shoot-out turns out to be Andy Jr.—a catastrophe that sends Sipowicz back to the bottle.
