Welcome to Derry, the prequel series set in the world of Andy Muschietti’s It films, continues its tradition of referencing Stephen King’s extensive bibliography, and in episode 5, it features a clear nod to an underrated Stephen King novel. This episode not only expands on events set decades before the original movie but also brings the focus keyword, Underrated Stephen King novel, into the central narrative with the story of Dick Hallorann and his connection to Doctor Sleep.
The series unfolds in 1962, following a fresh cast of young characters who encounter the monstrous It. Alongside their journey, a parallel storyline tracks a group of adults in Derry, notably military figures aiming to capture and potentially harness It as a weapon. The mission to locate It’s lair is spearheaded by Leroy Hanlon, portrayed by Jovan Adepo, and Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk. While Hallorann is briefly referenced in King’s novel It, Welcome to Derry delves into his background, exploring his tenure in the military and early experiences with the entity known as It.
Doctor Sleep’s Mental Lockbox Makes Its Appearance
In episode 5, viewers watch as General Shaw, played by James Remar, directs his military team to investigate the infamous house on Neibolt Street, venturing into the sewers in search of It’s lair. Among the group is Dick Hallorann, whose experience quickly turns harrowing when he is pulled into the water beneath Derry. From this point, Hallorann falls victim to psychological torment as It invades his thoughts.
During his ordeal, Hallorann finds himself in a bathroom, confronted by visions of his grandmother—an important figure in his past, previously glimpsed during a visit to It’s lair. Both Hallorann and his grandmother possess the shine, a supernatural ability she taught him to harness. The tension escalates as Hallorann’s grandfather appears in the scene, presenting a box and threatening harm to his grandmother unless Hallorann opens it. Even after witnessing his grandmother shot in the leg when he refuses, Hallorann resists, but his grandfather opens the box, unleashing a vivid orange light. This motif—mental boxes used to trap persistent ghosts—originates from Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining.
Doctor Sleep begins with Dick Hallorann instructing Danny Torrance on how to construct mental lockboxes, teaching him to confine malevolent spirits from the Overlook Hotel. The depiction of Hallorann’s own mind box in Welcome to Derry serves as a direct homage to this concept from the underrated Stephen King novel, symbolizing years’ worth of personal ghosts and traumatic memories held within.
The Consequences of Hallorann’s Unlocked Memories
The narrative teases early on that unleashing Hallorann’s mental box will have dire effects as Welcome to Derry progresses. By the end of episode 5, Hallorann manages to escape from the sewers, only to come across the apparition of Pauly Russo, a character played by Rudy Mancuso, seemingly alive and wandering in the woods despite having died. This chilling encounter marks just the beginning of the consequences set in motion by opening the mental lockbox, as it releases the most disturbing aspects of Hallorann’s shine.
These disturbing visions are only expected to escalate, as Hallorann’s unique abilities are pushed to the brink while Derry experiences another of It’s notorious awakenings. The military, under Shaw’s leadership, may seek to take advantage of any vulnerabilities Hallorann displays, further complicating his struggle against the supernatural. Whether Hallorann will be able to regain control over his mind and contain the unleashed ghosts remains an unanswered question for upcoming episodes.
Key Characters and Performances in Welcome to Derry
Several cast members contribute to the unfolding drama in Welcome to Derry. Taylour Paige plays Charlotte Hanlon, lending depth to the adult perspective. Jovan Adepo, in the role of Leroy Hanlon, drives much of the adult conflict involving the military’s interests. The ensemble also features Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, Rudy Mancuso as Pauly Russo, and James Remar as General Shaw. These character-driven performances anchor the series amid its supernatural themes and references to Stephen King’s lesser-known works.
As Welcome to Derry continues, its intricate storytelling and allusions to an underrated Stephen King novel like Doctor Sleep solidify its place as a series attentive not only to horror but to deeper psychological and emotional narratives. The ramifications of Hallorann’s memories being revealed will shape both the fate of individual characters and the broader conflict in Derry, leaving audiences anticipating what will emerge next from King’s haunted universe.
