In the latest episode of “It: Welcome to Derry,” viewers are given a deeper look into the terrifying origins of Pennywise, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. Although Pennywise has yet to make a physical appearance by episode four, the show has introduced numerous eerie facades associated with It, delving into a chilling backstory that connects with the Shokopiwah tribe in Derry. This narrative thread ties back to “It: Chapter Two,” where Mike, played by Isaiah Mustafa, assists Bill (James McAvoy) in understanding the Shokopiwah’s ritualistic visions that reveal Pennywise’s true origins as described in Stephen King’s novel.
Episode four prominently features Taniel, a character portrayed by Joshua Odjick, whose mind is explored by Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk, who possesses the gift of The Shining. Through Taniel’s recollections, a local legend surfaces about a monstrous entity that crash-landed in Derry over a millennium ago. His Native American ancestors were reportedly able to evade the creature’s wrath for many years, recognizing that the monster was trapped within a shooting star upon its arrival. Interestingly, these star fragments appear to be the only source of fear for this malevolent being.
The balance maintained by the Shokopiwah was disrupted with the arrival of settlers, who ignored the tribe’s dire warnings and entered the territory of the entity, leading to an eruption of chaos in Derry. The series captures the essence of Pennywise’s origins from King’s work, yet the addition of the Shokopiwah tribe enriches the storytelling, illustrating the tribe’s arduous efforts to keep the monster confined for decades alongside its historical interaction with the settlers.
This unfolding narrative not only enhances the depth of Pennywise’s character but also addresses themes of cultural preservation and the consequences of ignoring indigenous wisdom. As the series progresses, further revelations about the past may continue to impact the fight against this ancient evil, fostering hope for a thrilling confrontation between light and darkness as the characters prepare to delve into their shared destiny.