Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible life at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, including the partner of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name 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 experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.