Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.