Make Time For One Iconic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode
The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the series includes a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story that deserves another look.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a infamous prison. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern that continues in Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's early victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for the prison.
Though we know he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel to freedom.
Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.
