Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very institution that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's stories — a tradition that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn about the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in 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 prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.