Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central here, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely headed to the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
