In the season 1 finale of “IT: Welcome to Derry,” viewers were left with many questions, especially regarding the mysterious older woman in the epilogue. The HBO series, which premiered on Dec. 14, made significant connections to the ‘It’ movies from 2017 and 2019. As the fog lifted in Derry, Maine, Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård, continued to haunt the town’s children, feeling powerful after eluding capture. However, the residents of Derry stood their ground and faced the terrifying entity head-on.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bill-skarsgard-welcome-to-derry-121525-1-b5f4c9cea3e8425986b61d36d7b17bd2.jpg)
The finale revealed a link between the current residents of Derry and the characters who would later confront Pennywise in the future. As the children were led by Pennywise to a frozen river, a crucial showdown ensued. With the help of Dick, portrayed by Chris Chalk, the kids managed to weaken Pennywise and trap him using a mystical dagger. This pivotal moment led to the creature’s imprisonment and forced hibernation, initiating a new sleep cycle.
Among the survivors of the harrowing events in the finale were Lilly, Marge, Ronnie Grogan, and Will Hanlon. The group mourned the loss of their friend Rich, who tragically perished in a fire but returned in spirit to aid his friends in defeating Pennywise. Although the clown was contained, he was not destroyed, indicating a potential return in the future to wreak havoc on a new generation.
In a surprising twist, Marge is revealed to be the future mother of Richie Tozier, a key character in the ‘It’ movies played by Finn Wolfhard and Bill Hader. The episode hints at the intricate web connecting past events with present consequences, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Pennywise’s non-linear perception of time. Show creator Andy Muschietti teased a multi-season arc exploring different cycles of Pennywise’s existence, suggesting a complex narrative structure for future episodes.
The finale concludes with an intriguing epilogue set in 1988, bridging the gap between the series and the cinematic adaptations. Joan Gregson reprises her role as Ingrid Kersh, encountering a distressed Beverly Marsh after a tragic discovery. This poignant scene echoes themes of eternal torment and unresolved trauma associated with the cursed town of Derry. As connections to the original ‘It’ films are solidified, viewers are left pondering the implications of past actions on the present and future of the characters.
The appearance of Gregson on “IT: Welcome to Derry” marked her final role, adding a poignant layer to the poignant narrative. Her involvement in the series, filmed shortly before her passing, serves as a tribute to her legacy in the entertainment industry. The seamless integration of past and present elements in the finale reinforces the show’s commitment to honouring the source material while expanding upon its rich lore.
Overall, the season 1 finale of “IT: Welcome to Derry” left audiences with a sense of anticipation and intrigue as the intricate tapestry of characters and events unfolds across different timelines. With promises of future seasons delving deeper into Pennywise’s enigmatic nature and his adversarial relationship with the town of Derry, viewers can expect a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of fear, resilience, and the enduring legacy of past traumas on the present.