You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the show also features a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.
Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
