You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
