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HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel via the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story that deserves another look.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, particularly compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes central in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the terrible life inside Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned there, including the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the most we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his liberty.

The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.

Although it is known he was not commit the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, but if the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig to freedom.

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