You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's vast library of stories. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show includes an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "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 Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years 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 each Sunday.
