You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it is a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
