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The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story that deserves a revisit.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned individual sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's stories — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates within, such as the partner of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

Thus far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been via the perspective of the protagonist 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 experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's involvement via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is probably headed to the prison.

Though we know he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Implications for Hank and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, child or adult, understands and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.

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Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.