You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to It, the show also features an explicit connection to The Shining via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary which is important in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.