You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the obvious links to the original story, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution which is important here, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
