Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series showcases a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, including the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, knowing what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.
More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
