Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other work, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds significant lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.