Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the show also features a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to much of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
