Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show includes a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While 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 story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require 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 doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
