It: Welcome to Derry Season 1, Episode 3 – Stephen King References
Episode 3 of It: Welcome to Derry, titled Now You See It, is a key installment in the Stephen King multiverse, intertwining major character crossovers and cosmic mythology. Released on November 9, 2025, on HBO Max, this episode enriches King’s broader literary universe through significant plot developments.
Connections Within the King Universe
The episode bridges events from 1962 to those in the 2017 and 2019 It films, deepening the understanding of how past trauma influenced Derry’s supernatural landscape. Maintaining the weekly release schedule, episode 3 continues the eight-episode season, which will conclude on December 14, 2025.
Stephen King References in Episode 3
- At least nine confirmed references to Stephen King's works are interwoven in this episode.
- The story directly links 1962's events to the Losers Club’s experiences in 1989, the year of the 2017 film setting.
- The narrative follows King’s 27-year cycle, where Pennywise periodically awakens, feeds, then returns to dormancy, as highlighted by Radio Times.
- The prequel uses this 27-year gap to explore how early incidents shaped the entity’s influence over Derry.
Military Subplot: Operation Precept
A prominent subplot involves General Shaw’s Operation Precept, illustrating the Cold War military’s attempt to harness Pennywise as a weapon. This plotline reveals the government’s longstanding knowledge of the entity, predating the Losers Club’s eventual encounter.
"The show operates on Stephen King’s established 27-year cycle, where Pennywise awakens, feeds, and returns to dormancy." – Radio Times
Overall, episode 3 effectively deepens the narrative by connecting multiple timelines and expanding the mythology around Pennywise and Derry’s dark history.
Author's summary: Episode 3 of It: Welcome to Derry enriches Stephen King's universe by linking timelines, revealing government secrets, and emphasizing Pennywise’s sinister 27-year cycle.