Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show also features a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is important here, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only 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 could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
