You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn about the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths 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, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
