Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features an explicit link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it is a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
