With the finale of It: Welcome to Derry wrapping up its first season on HBO, the story took a wild turn, leaving fans buzzing with questions and thoughts. One of the most talked-about moments is how Charlotte Hanlon, played by Taylour Paige, made a surprising choice regarding her family’s fate in the aftermath of Pennywise’s terror.
We knew from the start that Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James) was set to become the father of Mike Hanlon from the main It storyline. The Hanlon family—Will, his mother Charlotte (Taylour Paige), and father Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo)—moved to Maine due to Leroy’s military obligations. Given Mike’s future significance, it seemed like they’d linger in Derry. However, the way it played out in the finale rubbed some viewers the wrong way.
Why Was Charlotte’s Decision Controversial?
In the season finale, titled “Winter Fire,” we see the townsfolk recovering from Pennywise’s last vicious stand. Earlier in the season, Charlotte expressed her desire to leave Derry with Will, waiting only for Leroy to wrap up his secret mission. Safety was her primary concern, which makes sense after everything they faced.
What’s the Real Monster?
During a crucial moment, it’s Charlotte who reminds everyone that Derry itself can be seen as a monstrous place, especially following the fallout from the Black Spot tragedy—an event fueled not just by Pennywise’s influence but by deeply ingrained human prejudice.
Will’s Experience with Pennywise
The trauma William experienced during his close call with Pennywise, where he was nearly kidnapped along with other children, added layers to Charlotte’s protective instinct. It’s all too clear—Derry holds nightmares for its residents, and legend has it that this dread isn’t done with them yet.
So, it raises eyebrows when at the last minute, Charlotte opts to stay and buy a farm from Rose (Kimberly Guerrero). Given all we’ve seen of her character, this feels like a jolt, and even Taylour Paige seems to share this sentiment.
What Did Taylour Paige Think?
In an interview, Paige admitted, “I’m not happy with the way this was written, if I’m being honest. I guess the lore is that you forget when you’re in Derry, but I don’t buy it.” She elaborates, noting that in 1962, women often felt pressured to sacrifice their desires for family stability. “I wanted more for Charlotte,” she explained, emphasizing that it was a rarity for women of that time to leave loveless relationships.
Charlotte’s Character Arc
Throughout the season, we’ve seen Charlotte suppress her own opinions for the sake of family harmony. Yet, in “Winter Fire,” the plot twist features her as the one advocating for staying in the cursed town—while Leroy and Will were ready to flee.
Even with knowledge of Will’s future lineage tying into the broader It universe, we can’t help but agree with Paige: Charlotte staying in Derry doesn’t sit right.
It: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max—definitely worth a watch if you haven’t caught up! What did you think of Charlotte’s decision? Let me know in the comments below!
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