Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Movie Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to It, the show showcases a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other writing, it is a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is that very institution that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions at the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
