Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious prison. It is that very institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, 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 dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
