Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to It, the series includes an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's that very institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's stories — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.