You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to It, the show includes an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it is a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very penitentiary which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
