You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution that becomes important here, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in the town 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 in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
