You Should Watch One Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly compared to much of King's other work, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore across King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
