Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to It, the show showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful 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 haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful life at the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
