Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's extensive library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series also features a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's that very institution that becomes important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's stories — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and she only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
