Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to It, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank 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 could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
