You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other work, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
