Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the series also features an explicit link to King's famous novel via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous prison. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Although we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (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, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
