Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution which is important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
