Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to the original story, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes important here, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
