Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
