Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes important in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
