Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is that very penitentiary which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories 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 the inmates there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
