You Should Watch One Classic Stephen King Film Prior to It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility holds significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful conditions at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.

The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.

Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for Hank and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and murdering 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 inside, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.

A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel his way out.

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.