Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to It, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
