Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to It, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
