The latest episode of IT: Welcome to Derry, now streaming on HBO Max, is packed with astonishing twists that delve deeper into the interconnections within Stephen King’s universe. One of the most shocking reveals in Episode 5 is the identity of Madeline Stowe’s character, Nurse Ingrid, who serves as a pivotal adult figure for Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) in Derry. It turns out that Ingrid is actually the younger version of the older woman known as Mrs. Kersh, portrayed by Joan Gregson in IT: Chapter Two, where she plays a haunting role in Beverly Marsh’s (Jessica Chastain) encounters.
In the original novel It, which centers around the Loser’s Club returning to Derry to confront a revived Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), Beverly visits her childhood home after her father’s death, only to find Mrs. Kersh living there. Their eerie conversation foreshadows the horror that unfolds, leading viewers to suspect a much darker truth behind the kind exterior of Mrs. Kersh. Executive producer and director Andy Muschietti stated the intention behind humanizing this character, noting that the older incarnation, which frightened Beverly in the film, is actually a manifestation of Pennywise rather than an independent being.
The new narrative offers a fresh perspective on Mrs. Kersh, presenting her as Bob Grey’s daughter, who is firmly rooted in the current plot of IT: Welcome to Derry. This adds depth to her character, transforming her from merely a sinister figure into someone trapped in a loveless marriage and involved in an affair with Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider). The further complexity of her character provides a richer understanding of the influences and experiences that shape the people of Derry.
IT: Welcome to Derry makes significant connections to previous chapters of the saga, with character links that enhance the overall storyline. Notably, the tragic fate of Teddy Uris, a boy introduced in Episode 1, connects him to Stanley Uris of the Loser’s Club, while Mike Hanlon’s history is tied to another character, Will Hanlon. The Muschietti siblings teased that viewers can expect even more critical twists involving familiar characters from the original stories as the series progresses.
As generational trauma plays a critical role in King’s works, the Muschietti family highlights the importance of ancestral stories in understanding Derry’s current tensions. This ongoing theme enhances the narrative’s emotional depth and ensures that audiences remain engaged as the series unfolds, providing a promising continuation of the rich lore established by Stephen King. The involvement of skilled performances, particularly from Stowe, illustrates the depth and complexity the series aims to convey, making IT: Welcome to Derry a captivating addition to the franchise.