Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Burdette is running for governor in Texas and desperately wants the former governor's endorsement to boost his campaign. When he overhears a phone call about a mysterious shipment heading to the Republican National Convention in Dallas, he sees an opportunity to gain political leverage. He recruits Bandit and Cledus (Snowman) with a $400,000 payment to deliver the shipment, thinking it will help secure the endorsement he needs.

• big enos burdette
• governor race
• political scheme
• 400000 payment
• bandit
• snowman

Cledus calls Carrie in Texarkana and offers her $50,000 to return and help with the mission. More importantly, she's concerned about Bandit's drinking problems following their breakup and wants to support him. Carrie leaves Junior at the altar a second time to be there for Bandit, showing her deep commitment to helping him overcome his challenges.

• carrie
• junior
• wedding
• 50000
• bandit drinking
• support

The mysterious shipment turns out to be a live pregnant elephant named Charlotte, humorously named after Cledus's aunt. The trio expected something valuable for the political convention but instead got an elephant about to give birth, which completely changes the nature of their cross-country journey.

• charlotte elephant
• cargo
• pregnant elephant
• delivery

Bandit is fixated on the $400,000 payday and refuses to slow down even when Dr. Giovanni warns him that Charlotte needs immediate rest. His single-minded focus on the money and completing the mission stems from his heartbreak over Carrie and his desire to prove his worth. This selfishness ultimately causes conflict with Cledus and Carrie, who want to prioritize the elephant's wellbeing.

• bandit
• money
• dallas
• charlotte labor
• driving
• conflict

Carrie is fed up with Bandit's self-centered behavior throughout the trip. When they stop at a nightclub in Louisiana, she sees Bandit sketching a contraption to keep Charlotte off her feet rather than truly caring for the elephant or the people around him. Frustrated by his selfishness, she declares she won't return until he starts prioritizing others instead of just the money.

• carrie
• nightclub
• don williams
• frustrated
• leaves bandi

After Charlotte gives birth at the safari reserve, Bandit sees Cledus and others treating the newborn elephant with tenderness and care. When Cledus knocks him down, Bandit finally realizes that the connections he's made with Charlotte, Carrie, and his friends are far more valuable than any monetary reward. This moment of reflection transforms his priorities from money-focused to relationship-focused.

• bandit
• transformation
• charlotte baby
• priorities
• values change

After his transformation, Bandit seeks out Carrie, who has been waiting in the background, and apologizes for his selfishness. He admits he hasn't even delivered Charlotte or collected the money, showing his priorities have shifted entirely. In a heartfelt moment, he gets down on one knee and proposes to Carrie, seeking both her forgiveness and her hand in marriage, which she readily accepts.

• bandit proposal
• carrie
• marriage
• apology
• love

As Buford Justice sets up an elaborate trap with his brothers and a fleet of cruisers, Cledus rallies fellow truckers for help. The resulting demolition derby destroys several of the pursuing cruisers, creating chaos that allows the trio to momentarily escape. Despite Buford's relentless pursuit with his damaged cruiser, the truckers' assistance proves crucial in evading law enforcement.

• demolition derby
• truckers
• cruisers
• buford justice
• escape chase

Charlotte gives birth at a safari reserve near the end of the group's journey. After Cledus convinces Bandit to pull over, the elephant successfully delivers her newborn. The joyful moment is celebrated by the entire group, though it's briefly overshadowed by Bandit's unresolved anger before his eventual transformation.

• charlotte birth
• safari reserve
• elephant baby
• delivery

Bandit never actually delivers Charlotte or collects the money. After his transformation, he admits to Carrie that he hasn't delivered the elephant or spent any of the payment. The mission becomes less about the money and more about the relationships he's built, showing his character growth from a selfish opportunist to someone who values love and connections over financial gain.

• 400000 payment
• dallas
• money
• not delivered
• bandit transformation