You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Although it is known he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
