Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series also features an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. And it's that very institution that becomes central here, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
