Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
