The HBO series 'IT: Welcome to Derry' serves as a chilling prequel to the acclaimed films 'IT' and 'IT Chapter Two', delving into the sinister origins of the malevolent entity Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry. Set in 1962, the series introduces Air Force Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), who moves his family, including wife Charlotte (Taylour Paige) and son Will (Blake Cameron James), to Maine under the command of General Shaw (James Remar). Unbeknownst to them, Derry harbors a dark secret, a predatory entity that feeds on the deepest fears of its inhabitants, putting everyone within its borders in grave danger.

A significant aspect of the series involves the meticulous crafting of the Hanlon family dynamic. Co-stars Adepo and Paige, along with Blake Cameron James, focused on building authentic family chemistry. Their bonding extended to sharing music playlists for inspiration, featuring artists like Sam Cooke, The Supremes, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Ellington, and Nat King Cole. Adepo, in particular, often creates such playlists as a study tool for his characters, helping him immerse himself in their imagined experiences and emotional landscapes. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of familiarity and trust that translates compellingly on screen.

Leroy Hanlon's journey in Derry is marked by both military pride and profound disillusionment. Initially, Leroy holds immense respect for General Shaw, a highly decorated four-star general whose footsteps he indirectly followed. Leroy feels honored to be handpicked for a mission, believing he is the 'teacher's ideal pupil'. However, as the series progresses and Shaw provides evasive, half-answers, Leroy's respect transforms into disappointment and a sense of betrayal. He realizes that Shaw has been using him as a pawn for a grand, selfish scheme, knowingly putting Leroy and his family in grave danger. This revelation is a significant letdown for Leroy, who had aspired to become a general himself. The character also endures a terrifying encounter when he is attacked by masked men, a scene Adepo describes as physically demanding despite careful choreography, highlighting the inherent risks in filming such intense fight sequences.

Charlotte Hanlon, left to navigate Derry while her husband is occupied with military duties, observes the town with a mixture of hope and profound unease. Her face often betrays her thoughts, conveying a constant 'What is going on?!' sentiment. As an engaged observer and homemaker, Charlotte has ample time to reflect on the town's abnormalities. She is particularly disturbed by the community's indifference to violence, such as when boys beat up a child while onlookers turn a blind eye. This collective apathy signals to her that 'something is just not right with these people in this town'. Charlotte yearns for connection, finding a potential confidante and friend in Rose (Kimberly Guerrero). Their burgeoning sisterhood, mirroring the real-life bond between Paige and Guerrero, provides Charlotte with a much-needed sense of shared understanding, even if Rose's advice often leans towards 'Just mind your business' regarding Derry's secrets.

The dynamic between Leroy and Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) is another intriguing layer. Leroy, a successful military officer at a relatively young age, is accustomed to respect for his rank and status. He finds Dick's aloof and brushed-off attitude particularly grating, especially coming from an older man of a lower rank. This tension escalates when Leroy discovers that Hallorann has invaded his mind without permission, an act Leroy perceives as a profound disrespect. Leroy makes it clear he wants no further complications to his mission of protecting his family. Chris Chalk's portrayal of Hallorann, as an actor who knows how to 'push my buttons' in character, effectively highlights this complex and often confrontational relationship. Despite the antagonism, Hallorann's actions are often guided by his own responsibilities, whether Leroy comprehends them or not.

Episode five culminates in Leroy's direct, terrifying encounter with the entity in the sewer tunnels. The entity manifests as Charlotte, preying on Leroy's deepest fears. The exact nature of this fear initially stumped Adepo during filming, but a 'revelation' suggested that Leroy's fear was Charlotte's pursuit of justice potentially sabotaging his career aspirations, a theme subtly hinted at earlier in the series. Filming these sewer scenes was reportedly uncomfortable, characterized by long days of being wet in cramped spaces. While the actors were provided with extra warm attire and wetsuits under their costumes, Adepo noted he had to wear his costume boots, unlike Paige who wore rain boots, a minor detail highlighting the immersive and often challenging nature of the production.

Both Adepo and Paige expressed pleasant surprise and satisfaction with the season finale, describing it as 'well-earned, deserved, and interesting' by Adepo, and filled with 'togetherness' by Paige, hinting at significant character interactions. 'IT: Welcome to Derry' is available on HBO and streaming on HBO Max, promising to further unravel the chilling mysteries of Pennywise and the town that nurtures its evil.