You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series showcases a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates there, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
