Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to It, the show showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's stories — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the awful life at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
