Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to It, the series also features an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover about the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely destined for the prison.
Though it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.