Don't Miss One Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Next Episode

HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the show showcases an explicit link to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to live his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of the inmates there, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, before crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.

Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she only has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week on Sundays.