Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially compared to much of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the terrible life inside the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered about the prison was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
