Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show also features a direct connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. It is this specific institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, in which a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications 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 appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.