You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Next Episode

HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show showcases a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover about the awful conditions at the state penitentiary plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, before crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.

Though we know he did not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.

It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.