Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very institution that becomes central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 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 on Sundays.
