Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is that very penitentiary that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
