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The series Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show showcases a direct link to The Shining via the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King which merits a revisit.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is important in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates there, including the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison has been through the perspective of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.

Although we know he did not commit the child deaths 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," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known about that prison makes it clear that his experience would not be enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.

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It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.