Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to It, the series includes an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's stories — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.
Although we know he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.
Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.