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HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's extensive collection of tales. Apart from the clear links to It, the show showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved King story which merits another look.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it is a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very institution which is central here, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable history across King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we discover about the awful life at Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the most we have discovered about the prison was through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, before crawling "through a river of shit" 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 initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to the prison.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and Ronnie

Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and murdering kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he ends up in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, however, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be without help.

A single fact seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig his way out.

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It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.