Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases a direct connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary which is important 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 which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
