Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to much of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
