Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more 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, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other work, it remains a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man 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 holds considerable history across King's stories — a pattern that continues in 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 learn regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
