PLOT: Three youngsters venture into the Western Wood where they encounter a terrifying ancient spirit.
REVIEW: It’s always exciting when a company surprises fans with a new episode. While many speculated about a possible release for Stranger Things, Welcome to Derry fulfills those hopes with A Story of Derry. This episode narrates the struggles of a Native American tribe in search of food. Three young members decide to explore the forbidden “Western Woods,” only to quickly regret their choice as they discover the truth behind the legends.
The cast primarily consists of lesser-known actors, although Dark Winds’ Zahn McClarnon appears in an intriguing role. Notably absent is Bill Skarsgård, as Pennywise does not take on its Bob Gray form until later in the narrative. While his absence is felt—given that the best episodes featured him—Pennywise’s classic demeanor still shines through when it communicates in other forms. It’s also fascinating to see Pennywise transform into a moose, showcasing the extent of its destructive capabilities when not focused on instilling fear.
A Story of Derry carries an aesthetic reminiscent of Prey, centering on a young Native American girl. The episode begins in the Native language before transitioning to English, which I believe is an effective way to present the story to an English-speaking audience. While I personally enjoy subtitles, it’s evident that many viewers prefer this approach, making it a thoughtful compromise.
The highlight of this surprise episode is the more prominent appearance of Maturin the Turtle, depicted with a stunning cosmic design made up of the universe. This visual is captivating, and I’m pleased to finally see this character in physical form, even if it occurs during a drug-induced vision. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we see of him and that the creators become more comfortable showcasing him.
As often seen in Welcome to Derry, characters make some remarkably poor decisions that lead to dire consequences. I wish there had been a better way to transition characters from point A to B without relying on their lack of judgment. However, given time constraints, Pennywise must appear sooner than expected. I had hoped for more mind games and manipulation, but this indicates where the monster stands in its development.
A Story of Derry runs for only 30 minutes and doesn’t reveal much that loyal King fans wouldn’t already know. Nevertheless, it adds depth and clearer explanations for elements mentioned throughout the series and films. Some may view this as a waste of time, but I found it to be an enjoyable surprise for fans. While it wouldn’t fit into a full season due to its detour nature, this side story was an excellent way to present it. I hope that this and other series continue to explore stories that enrich the main seasons even further, especially since it premiered on Halloween.
A Story of Derry is now streaming on HBO Max.
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