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HBO's Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the clear 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. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves a revisit.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it is a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious prison. And it's that very penitentiary which is important here, as the Shawshank facility holds significant history across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn regarding the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.

Although we know he did not commit the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known about that prison indicates that his experience would not be pleasant.

Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she could be without help.

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

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Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.