Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious links to the original story, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore across King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Though it is known he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from 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, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
