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The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series also features a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within Welcome to Derry.

Among the stories that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the terrible life at the state penitentiary and several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to take back his liberty.

Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably destined for the prison.

Though it is known he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.

Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.

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Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.