Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series showcases a direct link to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing 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. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
