Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to It, the series includes a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
