Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
