🔗 Share this article Don't Miss One Classic Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with references to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear links to It, the series includes a direct link to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story that deserves another look. The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous prison. And it's that very institution that becomes important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry. Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these stories, we learn about the terrible conditions at the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was found guilty of armed robbery. So far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom. The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank. Although we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?" The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be pleasant. More importantly, though, this development could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she just has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck. One thing seems clear: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out. It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.