Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central here, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
