HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show includes an explicit link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it remains a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary that becomes important in this context, as the Shawshank facility possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he did not responsible for 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 the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.
