You Should Watch This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's that very institution which is central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
