Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the show includes an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
