You Should Watch This Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series also features a direct connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits a revisit.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important here, as the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Among the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.

Although we know he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"

The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, understands and she only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.

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

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