Hardcastle is arrested after a woman whom he had prevously had a chance encounter earlier is found dead in his home. Thinking the judge was framed due to his ruling on his latest case, McCormick tries to help his friend get out of jail. Of course, it's a set-up from some bad guy running a weapons racket so Hardcastle can be put out of the picture as he has been a burr in their saddle.
A Christmas episode which means there's a festive spirit as well as the usual car chases, banter and villainous scheme. Despite their rubbing each other, the judge and the ex-convict really care for each other - McCormick really worried about Hardcastle. There's a touching slice of friendship between them.