The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the show includes a direct connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
