Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to It, the series showcases a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. It is this specific institution that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten his daughter. 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 of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
