Have you seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? With Jimmy Stewart? It’s a movie from 1939 about a naive idealist—Jefferson Smith—who gets sent to DC to fill in for a Senator who has died unexpectedly. Rent it.
In short, it’s about a squeaky clean, naive civilian picked by a corrupt political machine to replace a corrupt Senator. He’s picked because they need a stooge in the Senate, and they figure he won’t ask too many questions. Fate intervenes, Mr. Squeaky Clean discovers the machine’s nasty business, and the machine crushes him.
The ending won’t surprise you, but the process of getting there is riveting. Smith goes to the mattresses. He really goes all the way in his fight to clear his name, fighting the corruption literally until his legs buckle underneath him, even after his last hope is shattered.
Now maybe you find Hollywood endings unrealistic. OK. But give Hollywood credit for getting this one thing right: the ante for a happy ending is sacrificing everything to get it.
No hero walks off into the sunset without earning it.
Sure, Hollywood may ignore a disproportionate number of stories in which the people who lay it on the line lose everything as a result.
BUT…
…no one who tries to shortcut the system ever wins.
Jefferson Smith never gives up. He earns his victory, fighting even after being confronted with the proof that he cannot win. When he realizes that he has failed the test the fates have for him, you know what that crazy SOB does? He keeps going!
He’s been filibustering for 24 hours when he realizes he’s doomed… and rather than admit defeat, he embraces his lost cause and keeps driving forward! Until he physically collapses!
His willingness to fight to the end is why he wins.
His decision to fail spectacularly rather than quit is what ensures his victory.
That’s not Hollywood, that’s life.
Now what about you?
Are you all in?
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I'm Jason. I make people shine. My mission is to help 1 million people tell their stories better. 
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“No hero walks off into the sunset without earning it.” Very true. And even while some villians get away with a lot, they will never earn the heroes welcome.
Love the ‘going to the mattresses’ Godfather reference. Great stuff.
@Benjamin—The best villains are just as committed as the best heroes… which is why the heroes have to fight so hard. And the price they pay is often severe; think Obi Wan (Star Wars), Maximus (Gladiator), Sheriff Will Kane (High Noon), Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront… but you’re right, the greatest triumphs are reserved for the good guys.
@Steve—Nice pick up.