You Should Watch This Legendary Stephen King Movie Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show also features an explicit 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 another beloved tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates within, including the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
