Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. It is this specific institution which is central in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary plus several of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter

Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.