You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's vast library of stories. Apart from the clear ties to It, the series also features a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
