Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous prison. And it's that very institution which is central here, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely headed to the prison.
Although we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
