Good Guys Win in the End

Although Ryker tries to push all the homesteaders out of the valley, he ultimately fails, thanks to Shane's intervention. Shane has a rough past as a gunslinger. Although viewers are never given his entire story, they are made to understand that gunslingers have a bad reputation. Since he was once a gunslinger, Shane essentially has to prove his goodness to the Starretts and the other homesteaders. However, his commitment to the Starretts and the other settlers eventually establishes his character and worth.

Through the examples of Shane and Joe, we see that, at least in most Westerns, the good guys always win. With Shane's help, Joe is able to convince the homesteaders to stay and protect their land and each other. Joe wants the homesteading families' children to have schools and a strong community, and he does what he can to convince them...