Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history across King's stories — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
