You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series showcases a direct connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, 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 of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.
Although we know he did 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 the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting 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, knowing what we do about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
