The Military and Operation Precept in WELCOME TO DERRY, Explained

Okay, episode two of Welcome to Derry really ramps up the creep factor. We see the fallout from the theater tragedy through the eyes of Lilly and Ronnie, and both of them are forced to confront some really difficult realities. On a different note, the episode introduces us to young Will Hanlon and how he’s settling into life in Derry. But things are really starting to cook on the adult side of things. Leroy Hanlon, a highly respected military man, is suddenly thrown into a hunt for a weapon – and that weapon, as we quickly learn, is none other than IT. It’s becoming clear that Operation Precept is all about stopping it, and the stakes are definitely rising.

General Shaw, a superior officer to Hanlon, is secretly trying to obtain a powerful weapon hidden in Derry. The plan starts to fall apart when Leroy realizes someone deliberately attacked him. Shaw reveals to Hanlon that the attack was a test – he wanted to confirm rumors about a brain injury Hanlon suffered in South Korea. This injury, which damaged Hanlon’s amygdala, seems to have removed his fear. This is significant because Pennywise relies on fear to control his victims.

According to Shaw, Cuban and Soviet leaders secretly planned to place nuclear bombs in American cities, capable of wiping them out. He believes a hidden weapon in Derry is the key to stopping this attack. He details ‘Operation Precept,’ a top-secret military program designed to win the Cold War without launching missiles. Shaw is certain this weapon was buried in Derry years ago, and that signals exist to guide people to its location.

Okay, so this is where Dick Hallorann and his ‘shining’ come into play – he’s the one who can actually find whatever they’re looking for. And Hanlon, because he’s got the access and, crucially, isn’t afraid, is tasked with capturing it. Honestly, though, how can he do that when he’s the only one without fear? It just doesn’t add up. And the whole notion that humans think they can find, let alone control something this powerful? It’s ridiculous! Don’t they get that evil always finds a way to win in the end?

We’ll find out how General Shaw’s plan develops and whether he might actually be a villain in Welcome to Derry.

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2025-10-31 11:35