Prepare to be both intrigued and underwhelmed as HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry attempts to breathe new life into the iconic horror franchise—but ends up feeling more like a reheated meal than a fresh frightfest. Bold claim? Perhaps, but here’s the kicker: while the series promises to explore the dark underbelly of Derry, it often relies on recycled scares rather than daring originality. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the scares—it’s about whether the story can truly stand on its own without leaning on nostalgia.
In the fourth episode, Kimberly Guerrero’s character, Rose, delivers a line that perfectly encapsulates the town’s eerie duality: ‘Derry is a beautiful place, but things do happen from time to time. Never a bad idea to keep the people you love close.’ Rose, a local businesswoman and member of an Indigenous tribe guarding Derry’s secrets, warns newcomer Charlotte Hanlon (played by Taylour Paige) about the town’s sinister undercurrents. But here’s the controversy: while the series nods to Indigenous folklore, it feels more like a superficial backdrop than a deeply explored theme. Is this a missed opportunity, or a necessary sacrifice for pacing? You decide.
Set in 1962, just months after one of Derry’s recurring horrors, the series introduces Charlotte and her husband Leroy (Jovan Adepo), a Korean War veteran with a mysterious condition. Their son, Will, joins them in a town where children are anything but safe. The racial dynamics, though hinted at, take a backseat to the supernatural chaos—a choice that might leave some viewers scratching their heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: Does the series truly honor Stephen King’s exploration of primal fears, or does it settle for surface-level horror?
The show, developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, serves as a prequel to the It films, but it often feels like a retread of the same plot beats. Instead of diving into the novel’s intricate themes of nostalgia and memory, the series opts for familiar scares and King-inspired Easter eggs. From Dick Hallorann’s appearance (a nod to The Shining) to references like ‘Shawshank’ and ‘Juniper Hill,’ the show is packed with fan service. But at what cost? Thought-provoking question: Does this reliance on references dilute the story’s originality, or is it a necessary homage to King’s universe?
The young cast, including Blake Cameron James as Will and Matilda Lawler as Margie, delivers solid performances, but the adult cast feels underutilized. Chris Chalk’s portrayal of Hallorann stands out, yet actors like Madeleine Stowe and Taylour Paige are left with little to do. The series shines in moments of grotesque fun—like the Music Man-inspired prologue and a paranoia-inducing supermarket scene—but these highlights are few and far between.
My favorite part? The opening credits, set to the unsettling tune ‘A Smile and a Ribbon,’ which hints at a satirical exploration of 1960s America. Yet, the series never fully commits to this deeper commentary. Final question for you: Is It: Welcome to Derry a worthy addition to the It legacy, or does it fall short of capturing the magic—and terror—of King’s vision? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
