Mean Streets ending explained

What happens

Charlie tries to hide Johnny Boy and Teresa outside the city, but a gunman finds their car. Shots are fired and it crashes. Both men are hurt, and the film leaves their fates uncertain. Charlie's bargaining gets no verdict.

The last image

The film ends on the streets, with Charlie and Johnny Boy wounded after the crash and Teresa distraught beside them.

What it says

There is no neat justice because penance, here, is never finished. Charlie wanted to square his loyalty, his ambition and his conscience, but the film shows he cannot satisfy all three. He is left carrying the debt, still in the street.