Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Movie Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series also features an explicit link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits a revisit.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a haunting story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in 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 Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.

Though we know he was not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.

More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.

One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.