Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series includes an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's stories — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
