If you’re a fan of supernatural stories, It: Welcome to Derry is a captivating dive into a small town’s eerie happenings during the Cold War era. This thrilling series sets the stage in 1962, blending military secrecy with a sinister force lurking beneath the surface. As high schoolers practice “duck and cover” drills in response to potential nuclear threats, something far more foreboding brews at the nearby Air Force base. This week’s episode reveals some intriguing developments that deepen the mystery.
In the first episode, we meet Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), a Korean War veteran, handpicked by General Francis Shaw (James Remar) to serve at Derry Air Force Base. With the base’s strategic location just seven hours from Soviet airspace, the tension of the Cold War hangs heavy in the air. However, the real intrigue arises when Major Hanlon notices a fenced-off area labeled with ominous “special projects” warnings.
As Major Hanlon meets General Shaw, a sense of camaraderie forms between them. Shaw praises Hanlon’s bravery and inquires about his combat injuries, hinting at a shared goal: defending America from its adversaries. Their strong bond sets the tone for a gripping narrative.
We also encounter Dick Hallorann, an airman joking about a “super-secret spy mission.” While it seems lighthearted, his special privileges raise eyebrows—especially when we consider Hallorann’s later connection to The Shining. This connection makes us wonder where his character arc might lead.
Despite the intriguing character dynamics, It: Welcome to Derry skillfully keeps many plot points close to its chest. Episode two, titled “The Thing in the Dark,” hints at Hallorann using his unique abilities for a mysterious excavation.
A significant revelation surfaces as Shaw brings Hanlon into the “Special Projects” building. Recent intel indicates the Soviet Union’s plan to deploy nuclear warheads in Cuba, directly threatening the U.S.
Shaw reveals “Operation Precept,” a strategy to win the Cold War before the first missile launches by leveraging a powerful weapon buried in Derry. This weapon, fueled by fear, requires Hanlon’s unique ability to help pinpoint it, thanks to a brain injury that prevents him from feeling fear.
Shaw admits they have limited knowledge about the weapon’s origins and mechanics but suggests its location can be traced via surrounding objects that serve as beacons. There’s tension, as we learn these artifacts relate to the Indigenous community, which is profoundly protective of their land.
The latest episode also unpacks some of Shaw’s backstory, including his unsettling childhood experiences in Derry—experiences that intertwine with the weapon’s lore. This backdrop sets the expectations on high, as we sense the presence of “It,” an entity that thrives on fear.
In “Now You See It,” we witness Hallorann and Hanlon collaborate on reconnaissance missions, searching for signals related to “It.” The stakes rise when Hallorann taps into the entity’s consciousness, nearly causing a disaster. He warns Shaw that they should halt their pursuit of the entity—forming a compelling moral dilemma.
This situation raises the question: What happens when fear becomes a tool for war? General Shaw, for some reason, believes he can control “It” to counteract the Soviet threat, a notion fraught with peril. History warns us against such reckless decisions, especially given what transpires in Derry in later years.
Next week’s promotional teaser promises even more excitement, featuring a pivotal location from the original It narrative—29 Neibolt Street—which introduces Hanlon’s concerns about the dangerous chase they are pursuing.
As ominous events unfold, viewers are left wondering how Pennywise will respond. One thing is for sure: the tension is building, and we can’t wait to see it happen.
New episodes of It: Welcome to Derry premiere every Sunday on HBO.
Wondering why supernatural stories captivate us? It taps into our primal fears and challenges our understanding of courage and vulnerability.
Why is “It: Welcome to Derry” set during the Cold War? The era serves to heighten anxiety, contrasting external threats with internal horror. By situating the series in a time of uncertainty, it amplifies the chilling tale.
How do Major Hanlon and Dick Hallorann’s characters develop? Their arcs intertwine military valor with supernatural elements, making them relatable yet complex amidst the horrors they face.
What role does the Indigenous community play in the narrative? Their significance heightens the stakes surrounding the weapon and underscores themes of protection and resistance against external forces.
How does fear influence the plot of It: Welcome to Derry? Fear is not just an emotional response; it exists as a tangible weapon used against enemies, illustrating how belief and terror can intertwine.
Engage with the world of It: Welcome to Derry and explore more insights about the series. For more interesting content, check out Moyens I/O.