Don't Miss This Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show also features a direct connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story which merits another look.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, before making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely destined for Shawshank.

Although it is known he was not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.

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

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.