Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the obvious links to It, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference 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 the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
