You Should Watch One Legendary Stephen King Cinematic Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series showcases an explicit link to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits another look.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially compared to much of King's other work, it is a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist in Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus was seen with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for the prison.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie

Given that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.

Crucially, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she could be without help.

One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.

It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.