IT: Welcome To Derry: Season 1 “A Story of Derry” (Bonus Episode) Review – An Expansion Of Episode 4’s Story
To hold us over until next year, HBO released a bonus episode of IT: Welcome To Derry which furthers the story of the Kollu, or Galloo, introduced in season 1/ episode 4.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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“A Story of Derry” Details
- Director(s): Tazbah Chavez
- Writer(s): Cherie Dimaline, Jasmyne Flournoy
- HBO Max: October 31, 2026
- Check out more of our “IT: Welcome To Derry” coverage.
Recap
Throughout the first season, characters searched for mystical stones that could manipulate how Pennywise moved and even be the key to his defeat. But the indigenous population, more concerned with containing Pennywise than killing him, used the stones to build a cage around the Western Woods.
In this episode, we explore further the story introduced in episode 4 regarding how the indigenous discovered what could contain Kollu, Pennywise’s former name, and one of their first noted experiences with it in generations.
New Characters in the Special Episode
Please note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every featured character, guest star, or role.
Neekani (Kiawentiio)
A young warrior who is the daughter of her village’s greatest warrior, who is outspoken, adventurous, and has the potential to be a future leader. It’s just that she has so much to learn before that day comes.
Seski (Morningstar Angeline)
Seski is one of the leads of the warriors who is a widow, and raising Neekani with the rest of the village. She appreciates her daughter’s tenacity, but also recognizes that Neekani needs guidance, or else her desire to show initiative won’t only alienate her but potentially lead to her death.
Mitig (Zahn McClarnon)
A soldier living in the forbidden Western Wood, and calls himself a follower of not only the Turtle God Muturin, but Kollu, who becomes Pennywise.
- Zahn McClarnon: Also appeared in Reservation Dogs
Review and Commentary
Highlights
Remember The Fear [85/100]
We’re coming up on a year since the first season’s finale, and this special episode reminded us that IT: Welcome to Derry was terrifying. Now, does this episode reach the level we saw in other parts of season 1? Not necessarily.
However, Pennywise, or Kollu hunting Seski and her daughter Neekani, was genuinely frightening. But this episode also reminds us that sometimes Pennywise is the least scary thing around—humans are often far worse. Case in point: Mitig, a cannibal, who worshipped Kollu and made sure it stayed fed and even fed Neekani and her friends Kollu’s leftovers.
The Indigenous Got A Full Episode [83/100]
Yes, this was a half hour compared to the full hour that episodes got in season 1. However, I would submit that the indigenous characters in season 1 was criminally underused. Yes, their knowledge and characters had impact, but I would submit that they weren’t given enough time to develop individually and do more than provide guidance and backstory.
This episode didn’t solve that issue, but it certainly made us hope that when season 2 comes out, and indigenous characters likely play a role again, they aren’t set aside but treated as lead characters. The kind that, if something happens, you can have a genuine response about because we’ve gotten to invest in them.
For if there is one thing Seski and Neekani did, it was get your attention and allow you to hope that by HBO releasing this episode, it means a shift for season 2.
Overall
Our Overall Rating [84/100]
Whether considered a reminder of what has been established, or a tease of what’s to come, this special episode of IT: Welcome To Derry instills hope. Not just that those behind it will maintain its tone and writing, but the underserved heroes will get a more prominent role when the show returns.
What To Check Out Next
Visit our main TV shows page! There you’ll find other shows we’ve covered.
- IT: Welcome To Derry: Season 1 Episode 8 (Season Finale) – Recap and Review
- IT: Welcome To Derry: Season 1 Episode 7 – Recap and Review
- IT: Welcome To Derry: Season 1 Episode 6 – Recap and Review
- IT: Welcome To Derry: Season 1 Episode 5 – Recap and Review
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
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