Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary that becomes central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.
Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the actual murderer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.