Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit link to The Shining through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is central here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
