Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. 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, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
