Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore throughout King's stories β a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesnβt have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
