Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series also features a direct link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's that very institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she could be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
