Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode

The series Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to the author's vast universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the show showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves another look.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific institution which is important in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds significant lore throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.

Among the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.

Although we know he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what we do about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and she just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.

One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.

It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.