Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the series includes a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn about the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.