Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to It, the series showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank are 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 the inmates within, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
