Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series showcases an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character 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 Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and she only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
