You Should Watch This Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. 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 Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
