Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series also features an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. It is that very penitentiary which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
