Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show includes a direct connection to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary that becomes central here, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, 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 a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and she only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
