You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Next Episode

The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the show also features an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits another look.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious prison. It is this specific institution which is important here, since the Shawshank facility holds considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.

Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely destined for the prison.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to 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 child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be pleasant.

More importantly, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.