It Welcome to Derry Episode 3 review

When most people watch the cave sequence in It, they focus on the jump scares. But if you pay attention, that moment between Dick Halloran, the second Major Leroy Hanlon, and Pennywise is a layered psychic confrontation. It’s not just horror it’s strategy, power dynamics, and the deeper rules of Stephen King’s universe at play.

Let’s break down what’s really happening behind the shadows.

Pennywise’s Reaction to Halloran

When Halloran touches the slingshot and taps into the Shining, he accidentally reaches into Pennywise’s territory.

And Pennywise’s response was A rare, unfiltered flash of surprise.

This creature is ancient and arrogant, used to stalking victims who stumble blindly into his traps. But Halloran doesn’t stumble upon him at pennywise’s planned time he, finds him. And that throws Pennywise off balance. For the first time, someone who isn’t from Derry shines a light into the monster’s hunting ground.

And the feelings we see from Pennywise in that moment? It’s not fear. It’s not panic.It’s irritation and curiosity. A predator noticing another predator.

Pennywise Dives Straight Into Halloran’s Mind

Pennywise’s entire power runs on one engine.. Fear.

Before he chooses a form or an illusion, he scans a person’s mind for damage he can exploit.

So when he steps out of the darkness and asks,

“Who are you?”

it’s not dialogue it’s reconnaissance.

He’s searching for :-

• the cracks in Halloran’s psyche,

• the unresolved fears,

• and the pressure points he can turn into weapons. It’s his version of checking the temperature before a feast.

The Real Twist: Major Leroy Hanlon Isn’t Just a Random Companion

Many viewers miss this, but the second Major Leroy Hanlon isn’t there for military backup he’s there for psychic stability.

He also has the Shining, just in a different frequency.

Not explosive like Halloran’s. Not direct.

But grounding.

His presence isn’t force its protection.

And that’s essential, because Pennywise can overwhelm a person’s mind the moment he gains a foothold. He creates illusions, loops, and fear spirals that trap you inside yourself.

But the moment the aviator grabs Halloran, pulls him back from slipping out of the plane, something subtle but important happens

Halloran’s consciousness snaps back into his body. Pennywise loses control and The mind link breaks. People usually can’t resist Pennywise once he steps inside. But two people with compatible Shining? Physically connected? Their minds stabilize each other. That creates interference a resistance Pennywise isn’t used to.

Why the Military Insisted Halloran Not Go Alone

They weren’t worried about logistics. They were worried about Pennywise’s psychological territory. Halloran traveling alone would mean:

• no anchor,

• no stabilizer,

• no psychic traction

when Pennywise pulled him deeper. Leroy Hanlons job wasn’t to fight. It was to keep Halloran tethered. This isn’t backup. It’s spiritual first aid.

Pennywise Felt It Too

This is why you see that pause that hesitation when the clown emerges from the cave shadows.

Pennywise, who feeds on isolated victims, did not expect that.

He thrives in the dark, in secrecy, in the private corners of people’s fears. What Major Leroy Hanlon brings is the exact opposite grounding, clarity, and presence.

The Hidden Theme Stephen King Always Returns To

In King’s universe, characters with the Shining often carry a specific spiritual role. They are anchors. Guardians. The ones who steady the emotional landscape when the supernatural tries to unbalance it. Halloran isn’t “saved” by luck. He’s saved because he doesn’t face Pennywise alone. It’s one of the few moments where the episode quietly reveals Pennywise isn’t invincible. He’s just used to people being unprepared. Halloran wasn’t unprepared. He was supported.

Final Thought

The cave scene isn’t just a monster encounter it’s a study in psychic warfare. Halloran reaching Pennywise was bold. Pennywise reacting was instinct. The aviator anchoring him was survival. It’s a reminder that in King’s world, power isn’t only about fear. Sometimes, it’s about connection. Sometimes, it’s about having someone who holds you steady when the darkness tries to pull you under.