🔗 Share this article Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Before the Series' Next Episode HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's extensive library of stories. Apart from the obvious links to It, the series also features an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves a revisit. The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry. Some of the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery. Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison was via the perspective of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and abused by other prisoners, and exploited by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty. The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the show, where a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for Shawshank. Though we know he was not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?" The Implications for Hank and His Daughter Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be pleasant. Crucially, however, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help. A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out. It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.