You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. 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, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
