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The series Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Apart from the clear ties to It, the show showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story that deserves a revisit.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales that reference Shawshank 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 some of the inmates within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was via the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and experiences assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.

Though we know he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.

Crucially, however, this situation could threaten his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her recently formed of friends to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.

One thing is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.

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It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.