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HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Beyond the clear links to the original story, the show includes a direct link to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved tale from King that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as horror, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man sentenced to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists within It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the stories which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we learn about the awful life inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself assaulted and abused by other prisoners, while exploited by those in authority figures for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, before crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his freedom.

Shawshank's Role in It: Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.

Although it is known he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers at that prison?"

The Implications for Hank and Ronnie

Given that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power from another world hunting and killing children, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do about that prison makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening in the town which no one, 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, however should Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.

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It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.