Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's this specific penitentiary which is central here, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful conditions at the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
