Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to It, the series showcases a direct connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history across King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him there, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require 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 his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
