Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands 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 could be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 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.
