Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series also features a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
