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The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Apart from the clear ties to It, the series showcases a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of King's other writing, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual sentenced to spend his remaining years inside a notorious prison. And it's that very institution that becomes important here, as Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable lore across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus some of the inmates there, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted of armed robbery.

So far, however, the most we have discovered about the prison was via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to the prison.

Though we know he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"

The Implications for the Character and Ronnie

Considering that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would not be enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.

A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks 28 years to tunnel his way out.

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Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.