You Should Watch One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series includes an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, particularly compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a haunting tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy ends up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although we know he did not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
