You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series showcases a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
