Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful life at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely headed to the prison.
Though it is known he did not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
