You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back 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 initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
