Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series includes a direct connection to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to much of King's other work, it is a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: 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 about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
