Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series also features an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for 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 the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
