Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear links to It, the show also features an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King which merits a revisit.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious prison. It is that very institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison plus some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably destined for Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she could be without help.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.
