Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the series also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
