You Should Watch One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to It, the series showcases a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other work, it remains a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to the prison.
Although it is known he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
