Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
