You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series includes an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
