You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's vast universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
