Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is central here, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the awful conditions at the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates within, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
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 air weekly on Sundays.
