Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to It, the show includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is important here, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.