You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and exploited by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
