Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life at the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
