Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
