You Should Watch One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series includes an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
