You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the show also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
