Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear links to It, the series also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she just has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
