Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Movie Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to a lot of King's other writing, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely headed to the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, 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," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
