Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific institution which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible life inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to the prison.
Though we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
