Don't Miss This Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode

The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series includes a direct connection to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the awful conditions at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is probably destined for the prison.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie

Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world hunting and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.

Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.

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