Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the obvious links to the original story, the show includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although we know he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
