Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases a direct link to The Shining via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific institution that becomes central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
