Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to It, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous prison. And it's that very institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's stories — a tradition that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, 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.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
