AllMovie

Kojak (Telly Savalas) goes on a manhunt for "The Grim Reaper", a serial killer who preys upon merchants whom he feels have stiffed him financially. Six such murders occur before a hostile graffiti artist named Roger Villers (Ken Sylk) confesses to the crimes. Refusing to believe that Villers is actually guilty, Kojak decides to use the man as bait to trap the real murderer. "Out of the Shadows" was originally scheduled as the opening episode of Kojak's fourth season, but was moved back several weeks in favor of "Birthday Party".