IR TV Review: IT - WELCOME TO DERRY -EPISODE 5 (“Neibolt Street”) [HBO]

The parallel approach of the eventual descendance into the sewer was just a matter of time. With Episode 5 of "Welcome To Derry" entitled "Neibolt Street", the idea of descending into the underneath is finally made specific. Now granted the inherent mythology of what Derry is (and was) does seem a little far-fetched but the way it was explained in a previous episode is simply what it is. One just wonders if that specific story point is what Stephen King intended. As a certain victim returns and another scare tactic is engaged, the group of kids finally begin to understand what is happening. The only thing that also creates a sense of a plot hole is a certain element of the power of day and night because certain powers seem to drift back and forth with the demon (though twilight may seem to be part of the direction). Certain characters also seem crucial to the demon (as far as the grownups) but it does not fully explain why.

The underlying racial story of a father accused of hurting some of the children because of the color of their skin takes on another layer (which sort of was expected) but it makes some of the earlier context of empathy to one character make more sense (especially when you see what people consider would be her "better half"). At the same time Major Hanlon, after an incident with his son, is finally understanding some context of what they are up against (but not really). Again the most interesting perspective is that of Halloran since he can see much more than others. But the demon, like with the children and Hanlon, are using the aspect of fear against themselves. Halloran sees through this but in order to be this feeling, there are always cracks that the demon can get through. As to what the vision he says speaks to, the narrative has reason but it depends how he can find a way to break the chain. Pennywise has limits but not many, because he is cold and calculating and yet creatively cruel. B+

By Tim Wassberg