Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful life at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
