Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series also features an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not commit 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 episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
