Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
