James A. Watson Jr.

One month after Director Vance was kidnapped, Gibbs is assigned the role of acting director in his absence while the team searches worldwide for his whereabouts, on the 16th season premiere.

Janet and Lamont are shaken when her ex-husband shows up to make amends.

While investigating the death of a popular actor, Columbo must outwit a cunning dentist, who has set up his wife for a murder in order to keep up his image and expensive lifestyle.

Willona suspects that Thelma's elusive new boyfriend is married.

Tia and Tamera scheme to have Sarah's ex-boyfriend visit their slumber party.

As Carnival arrives in New Orleans, Albert unveils his new plumage, and Delmond discovers a new sound; Annie heads to a rural celebration with Harley, while Davis looks for an alibi to party in town; Hidalgo combines business with pleasure on a Zulu float; Toni and Sofia struggle with their memories of Creighton; Antoine club-hops with his sons while LaDonna avoids the fracas; and Cornell offers Sonny a second chance away from all the revelry. In New York, Chef Ripert gives Janette time off to attend to personal business and Fat Tuesday.