Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Movie Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the series also features an explicit link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits another look.
The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible life at the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences first learned about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
