Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the series also features an explicit link to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
