The horror series IT: Welcome to Derry continues to captivate audiences with its fourth episode, titled The Great Swirling Apparatus of Our Planet's Function, which delivers major revelations about the cosmic origins of the terrifying clown Pennywise.
The Cosmic Revelation of Pennywise's Origins
In a significant plot development, the episode focuses on Dick Hallorann using his psychic abilities to connect with Taniel, seeking answers about the mysterious alien entity haunting their world. The Native American character undergoes a painful inspection process before sharing crucial childhood memories about the monster in the Western Wood.
Taniel reveals a stunning backstory: "Millions of years ago, before the time of the first people, an evil spirit was cast down from the darkest part of the night sky, bound inside a falling star." This confirms that Pennywise arrived on Earth from outer space, establishing the character's extraterrestrial origins.
Ancient Battles and Containment Secrets
The episode elaborates how when the star crashed to Earth and broke open, the evil spirit spread across the land. Pennywise initially roamed the woods freely, with his first interactions being with indigenous tribes who came to know him as Galloo.
As the alien's reign of terror began, the native tribes developed a defense system using weapons crafted from fallen stars. They managed to contain Pennywise for an extended period, but the creature grew stronger due to European colonists hunting in the territory, eventually breaking free from confinement.
The Sacred Pillars and Modern Consequences
Taniel discloses that thirteen sacred pieces from the fallen stars were strategically buried under the Western Wood to create powerful pillars designed to contain Pennywise. "Our people made a sacred promise to guard the pillars and keep their places secret, so the monster trapped inside could never break free," he explains.
In a crucial revelation at the episode's conclusion, the older Taniel indicates that these vital pillars can be located under the old well. The episode also introduces viewers to the Well House, which serves as Pennywise's current dwelling place.
Creators Address Stranger Things Comparisons
Since its announcement, IT: Welcome to Derry has frequently been compared to the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. However, creators Andy and Barbara Muschietti have clarified their perspective on these comparisons.
Andy Muschietti stated, "I don't know how to compare or not compare to Stranger Things. Our love for the book was the inspiration to tell the story and shed light on all these cryptic events that happened in the interludes."
He further emphasized the series' expansive narrative scope, adding, "This is not only the origin of It but also a reveal. At the end of this show, I think the audience will have a feeling that what we know from the book and the movies is just the tip of the iceberg of a larger story."
The series serves as a prequel to the IT movies, set 27 years before the events of the original film, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his iconic role as the shapeshifting clown. The show adapts Stephen King's works while expanding on the mythology established in the books and films.
IT: Welcome to Derry is available for streaming on JioHotstar in India and HBO in the United States. The series will consist of eight episodes total, with the fourth episode now available for viewers seeking to unravel more of Pennywise's mysterious background.
