Starsky and Hutch continue to uncover the clues that will lead them to the Las Vegas Strangler. Hutch helps his troubled friend Jack while Starsky enjoys a brief encounter with a beautiful showgirl with a heartbreaking back story.

The detectives subsequent investigation uncovers another murder and a meeting between rival mob bosses to determine the leader of organized crime activity in Bay City. When the meeting goes awry, five explosive devices are set to destroy the ship eliminating all witnesses.