Don't Miss 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 vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to It, the show showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially compared to much of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the show, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know 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 originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
