Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
