Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Cinematic 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 clear links to the original story, the series also features a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits 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 writing, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
