Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

The series Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct link to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King which merits a revisit.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very institution which is important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.

Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to Shawshank.

Although we know he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and His Daughter

Given that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.

Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.

A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.