Make Time For This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show includes an explicit link to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. It is that very institution which is important here, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's stories — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: 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.
