Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's vast collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, including the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, however, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

In relation to the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the series, where a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.

Though it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, 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 a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.

More importantly, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.