You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear links to It, the series includes a direct connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
