You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to It, the show includes a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
