Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Though we know he did not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
