Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show includes a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
