Make Time For This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to It, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious prison. It is this specific institution which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
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 chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
