Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the show also features a direct link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
