Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. 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 Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.