Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show includes a direct connection to The Shining through the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
