You Should Watch This Iconic Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's that very institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
