Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the clear links to It, 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 progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
