Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show includes an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover about the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
