Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes central in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
