Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the series also features an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's that very institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing 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 actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.
More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
