HBO’s *It: Welcome to Derry* is a psychological horror series that masterfully blends history, the supernatural, race relations, and intense fear. Serving as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 *It* films, the show is based on Stephen King’s iconic 1986 novel. This eerie narrative delves into the origins of the monstrous Pennywise the Clown, portrayed once again by Bill Skarsgård, maintaining continuity with the films.
Set in Derry, Maine, on a snowy January day in 1962, the series opens with 12-year-old Miles Ekhardt attempting to hitchhike out of town after being expelled from a movie theater for sneaking in. Clutching his emotional support pacifier tightly, Miles soon realizes he’s in grave danger when an inconspicuous couple stops to pick him up.
Four months later, Maj. Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo) arrives in Derry for his latest assignment. An Air Force flyboy, Leroy eagerly anticipates the arrival of his wife, Charlotte (Taylour Paige), and their 12-year-old son, Will (Blake James), as they prepare to settle into their new home. While Leroy resides at the barracks, he quickly notices that some colleagues don’t warmly welcome him. Though no stranger to racism, the peculiar dynamics of this particular Air Force base stand out. Together with his friend Pauly Russo (Rudy Mancuso), Leroy observes numerous restricted zones encroaching upon sacred Indigenous lands. Meanwhile, fellow Black airman Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) enjoys unusual privileges and unique access to the highly esteemed Gen. Shaw (James Remar).
Back at Derry High School, Lilly (Clara Stack) returns after a confinement spell at Juniper Hill sanatorium. Nearly as ostracized as her Black classmate Ronnie (Amanda Christine), whose father Hank (Stephen Rider)—the movie theater projectionist—is blamed for a boy’s disappearance four months earlier, Lilly longs for normalcy. Determined to uncover the truth about that fateful January night, she teams up with Ronnie, who is steadfast in clearing his father’s name, along with classmates Phil (Jack Molloy) and Teddy (Mikkal Karim-Fidler). The outcast group, later joined by Will and Rich (Arian S. Cartaya), embarks on a haunting journey filled with otherworldly fears and unimaginable horrors.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its youthful cast. Their emotional depth and authentic portrayals of panic and terror significantly enhance *It: Welcome to Derry*. At its core, across the novel, films, and now this series, *It* explores how evil infiltrates, transforms, and irrevocably changes the lives of children. Clara Stack’s portrayal of Lilly is especially compelling, revealing a young girl deeply traumatized by her father’s loss and fiercely determined to shield her friends from similar anguish.
Layered beneath the supernatural horror is the tension of the Cold War era. Throughout the eight-episode season, numerous unsettling elements emerge, many echoing contemporary issues. Scenes portraying the horrors of the Jim Crow South—including televised images of the National Guard violently suppressing protesters—play ominously in the background. In Derry, Black and Indigenous residents face near-total marginalization. The series thoughtfully examines the problematic “magical Negro” trope, emphasizing that Black individuals should not bear responsibility for repairing broken systems they did not create.
*It: Welcome to Derry* also critiques the failure of adults to comprehend the challenges children endure. While childhood innocence remains a central theme, the show broadens its scope to address enduring aspects of the American experience: abuse, racism, psychological trauma, infringement on Indigenous land, and militarization all profoundly influence the narrative.
Ultimately, *It: Welcome to Derry* is a compelling prequel that not only traces Pennywise’s origins but also holds a mirror to society, revealing darker facets of human nature.
*It: Welcome to Derry* premieres on HBO Max this Sunday, with new episodes released weekly.
—
Stay informed and connected — subscribe to *The Philadelphia Tribune* NOW! [Click Here]
—
**Community Guidelines:**
– Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– Do not use caps lock.
– Don’t threaten others. Threats of harm will not be tolerated.
– Be truthful. Avoid knowingly spreading false information.
– Be respectful. No racism, sexism, or any form of discriminatory language.
– Be proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on comments to flag abusive posts.
– Share your stories. We welcome eyewitness accounts and historical insights.
—
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, continues to break barriers. Through her nonprofit organization, she is making dance more accessible to children of color.
https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/television/it-welcome-to-derry-a-prequel-that-lives-up-to-the-film-franchise/article_650fedd6-d566-40f2-93ec-dcc92b2c3ec3.html