Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show also features a direct link to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly compared to much of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals 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 killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system has any say, she may 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 currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
