Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to It, the series also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
