Make Time For One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to It, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is this specific institution that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's early victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
So far, though, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Implications for Hank and Ronnie
Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this development would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.
