‘IT: Welcome to Derry‘ Episode 3 Buries Stephen King Easter Eggs for Dedicated Fans
Derry, Maine – The third installment of HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry is densely packed with subtle nods to Stephen King’s source material, rewarding longtime readers and offering foreshadowing for the series’ unfolding narrative. While the episode largely focuses on the escalating tensions within the Derry police department and the disturbing case of a missing boy, keen-eyed viewers will discover references woven into the visuals and dialog, hinting at the larger mythology surrounding Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The prequel series, exploring the origins of the evil that plagues Derry, is building anticipation for the eventual arrival of the Losers’ Club. These Easter eggs aren’t merely fan service; they deepen the understanding of Derry’s history and the cyclical nature of the horror, providing context for the events of King’s original novel and the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations. The series airs weekly on HBO and streams on Max, with the fourth episode scheduled for release on Monday, February 12th, at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Episode 3 features a photograph taken by Will inside the crypt, briefly revealing a glimpse of Pennywise. This visual cue follows an earlier auditory encounter where Dick hears the clown’s voice during a disturbing vision. According to co-creators Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti,the purposeful withholding of Pennywise’s full form is a strategic choice,designed to amplify the psychological terror.
Further connections to King’s wider universe are present in the episode’s atmosphere and character dynamics. The growing sense of unease and the town’s complicity in covering up dark secrets echo themes prevalent throughout King’s work, especially his exploration of small-town America and the evil lurking beneath the surface. Viewers are encouraged to share their discoveries as the series progresses,with the next episode promising further revelations.
