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

HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's extensive library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show also features a direct connection to The Shining via the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits another look.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years in a infamous prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Role in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.

Though it is known he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and Ronnie

Given that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.

More importantly, however, this development would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.

It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.