You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show includes an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important here, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
