Since i.m.o. this is a classic parable kind of story (with his mule experience being allegorical for an entire life, not necessarily his), it could easily have ended with some sort of a bang. Like, after the phone call he receives from his niece on his ex-wifes stage, he could have hidden the load, and later would have went on to pick it up from the hiding place, but got intercepted by the cops, who than would have had no case against him. He could have made his last delivery in the later course and then had made a deal with the police, leading them to the bad guys. Instead, Eastwood decides it is time to walk the crime-doesn't-pay-high road in a very abrupt and swift right turn, only to put an Porsche-breaks-like full stop to what could have ended rather happily, or at least with a smile. Aside from this, I found the movie very entertaining. Some unfortunate amateur acting mishaps, but totally neglect-able.
