Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear links to It, the show showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to much of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
