Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to It, the show includes a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, particularly compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although we know he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.
