Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the show also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's stories — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates within, including the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
