Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore across King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, but if the prison system has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.