Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared 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 responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
