🔗 Share this article Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's vast collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series showcases a direct link to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look. The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important in this context, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's stories — a tradition which persists in It: Welcome to Derry. Among the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery. So far, though, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom. The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the show, in which a prison bus appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank. Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?" The Implications for the Character and Ronnie Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant. More importantly, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie only has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help. A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom. It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.