Walking Tall

Part 2 picks up with Buford Pusser’s loyal deputies, Obra Eaker and Grady Coker, along with Buford’s father and several concerned townsfolk, all contemplating whether he will run for re-election. The deputies firmly believe that Buford won’t resign until he has either brought to justice or eliminated everyone involved in the ambush that took the life of his beloved wife, Pauline, as depicted in the previous installment of the story.

During his recovery from extensive plastic surgery in the hospital, Buford is visited by his mother, Lurene Tuttle, and his children. His mother expresses her worries about his commitment to public office, wishing fervently for his retirement. “There ain’t no shame in quitting, Buford,” she expresses, to which he solemnly responds, “I know, Mama.”

With Buford, now played by Bo Svenson, successfully re-elected, he wastes no time initiating his campaign against crime, starting with a raid on a moonshine operation established on the riverbanks. While Buford and his deputies apprehend most of the criminals, the notorious leader, Pinky Dobson, played by Luke Askew, manages a narrow escape in a speedboat.

Following this, Dobson seeks refuge at the opulent mansion of the local mob boss, John Witter](/actor/john-witter), a corrupt state official who is furious about the financial losses he has suffered due to Buford’s crackdown on his illicit activities, ranging from prostitution to illegal gambling. Witter conspires with a ruthless Boston-based hitman named Ray Henry, played by John Davis Chandler, against Buford, pushing Dobson to eliminate the sheriff.

In a cunning attempt to outmaneuver Buford, Dobson enlists the help of a car driver, Stud Pardee, portrayed by Richard Jaeckel. Their scheme escalates to a thrilling high-speed car chase that leaves Buford unharmed but leads to a growing series of confrontations with the lawless array of criminals in the region.

During an investigation, it’s revealed that a distinct blue and white Camaro, linked to Buford’s earlier pursuits, belongs to Pardee. In a fit of resolution, Buford launches a warrant and comes down hard on Pardee, destroying his prized car in a presumably warranted search for evidence. This inspection leads to some comical yet tense interactions where Buford, asserting authority, tells Pardee, “You look like you could use a drink,” while holding a pint of whiskey he found during the search.

As tensions rise, Buford continues to root out corruption, including an operation hidden within the Falcon Baptist Church. He finds himself in a heated chase after one of the moonshiners, who challenges his motives with accusations of favoritism towards local elite. Buford, unwavering in his mission for justice, resolves to arrest the infamous A.C. Hand, a man deep within local ties, reminding his father that ultimately, his quest for vengeance is about restoring his family’s honor, which was shattered by those at the top.

Simultaneously, he encounters the cunning Marganne Stilson, who poses as a graduate student from Ole Miss, entangled in Witter’s dangerous plans to end Buford’s life. She is sent to seduce him and extract vital information without raising suspicion. When a mounting threat leads to a bomb placed on Buford’s vehicle, he narrowly escapes, signaling a ramp-up in the deadly games being played.

The stakes escalate further when Buford’s loyal deputy, Obra Eaker, dies in a tragic collision, a premeditated act of sabotage orchestrated by those who fear Buford’s relentless pursuit of justice. At the graveside, Buford solemnly vows to his fallen comrade’s parents that he will honor Obra by continuing the fight against corruption.

As Buford strategizes a sting operation to capture Dobson once and for all, he cleverly maneuvers through dangerous waters—quite literally, as he orchestrates a blockade to finally apprehend his nemesis. Their rivalry crescendos in a dramatic confrontation that sees Dobson once again evading capture, leaving Buford more determined than ever.

With everything culminating to a fierce showdown, Buford’s pursuit of vengeance grows increasingly complex, entwined with personal loss, betrayal, and the unyielding quest for justice as he faces off against a murderous conspiracy that has dogged him since the ominous night of his wife’s murder. Facing countless adversaries and personal demons, Buford’s odyssey encapsulates the true meaning of resilience, leading him toward the climactic resolution that sets the stage for “Walking Tall: The Final Chapter.”

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36