Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show also features a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes important in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore across King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Although it is known he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "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 from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
