You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's vast universe of narratives. Beyond the clear 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. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. It is that very institution that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn about the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
