Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct link to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's stories — 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. Via these stories, we learn about the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
