You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is that very institution that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
