Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to It, the series showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific institution that becomes important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of 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, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
