Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution which is central here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he did not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
