WELCOME TO DERRY’s Latest Death Changes Leroy’s Life Forever

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If you’re watching Welcome to Derry, you’ll notice the show doesn’t hesitate to kill off characters. The first episode alone showed three children dying in a terrifying way, and by the fourth episode, it was clear even more deaths were coming. General Shaw discovered where the evil force hides in Derry and, surprisingly, the military wants to use it as a weapon. Of course, bringing a military force to Pennywise’s hiding place means danger – and death. Episode five definitely delivered on that promise. But the most important death in the episode comes at the hands of Leroy Hanlon, and it’s a moment that will clearly haunt him forever.

I was so captivated watching Leroy, Pauly, Hallorann, and the others descend into those tunnels, with Taniel, though hesitant, guiding the way. It was fascinating to learn Taniel carried this incredible weapon, a legacy of his people, meant to shield them from the terror and illusions Pennywise conjures. But things quickly fell apart, the group splintered, and the men started experiencing horrifying hallucinations. It was especially striking with Leroy – he was unique because he couldn’t feel fear, but even he wasn’t immune to confusion and all the other emotions that nightmare could inflict.

As Leroy and a terrified Pauly walked through the tunnel, Leroy had a vision of Charlotte. He nearly fell for the illusion, despite Pauly’s insistence that nothing was there. Remembering Shaw’s advice about unreal things, Leroy shot at the figure, revealing it to be a projection of Charlotte created by Pennywise, which then dissolved. Later, Leroy’s son, Will, ran toward them through the tunnel, calling for his father. Leroy immediately prepared to shoot, convinced it was another trick. But Pauly surprised him by saying he could see Will as well.

Leroy was completely focused on attacking, so Pauly bravely stepped in front of his gun and was shot. This shocked Leroy, making him realize Will, who was supposed to be safe, was actually there. Leroy had already killed his friend Pauly in a previous encounter, and now he was forced to watch him die again. The other kids, except for Lilly who went a different way, followed as Leroy carried Pauly’s body out of the tunnel, overcome with grief.

I was really struck by how shaken Leroy was when he started explaining what happened. All he kept saying was that he wanted to go home to his family. It’s clear this is going to be incredibly difficult for him, realizing he killed his best friend during this whole crazy mission. Pauly Russo’s death… it’s going to change everything for Leroy in these last few episodes, I can just feel it.

Jovan Adepo, the actor who plays Leroy, explained that his character is beginning to openly challenge those in charge, particularly General Shaw, whom he previously admired. Initially, Leroy simply asked a lot of questions – trying to understand the situation and what they were searching for. But Adepo says Leroy grew frustrated with only receiving partial answers. As the season progresses, Leroy decides that if he can’t get straight answers from his leaders, he’ll have to find information and take action in other ways.

It’s unclear how Leroy will react to Shaw’s plan. Will he remain loyal, or will he finally break from orders? He might even hold Charlotte responsible for Will’s predicament. Could Leroy take matters into his own hands and seek revenge against Pennywise? There are a lot of possibilities. Rudy Mancuso, the actor who played Pauly Russo, thinks Leroy will be forced to reconsider his priorities.

According to Mancuso, Leroy has become numb to fear, believing nothing can surprise or challenge him anymore. He’s a very logical and rational person, but this often hurts his family. He’s constantly battling expectations – at work, at home, and from forces beyond his control, including racism. Mancuso believes that the loss of someone close will finally make Leroy appreciate what’s truly important in life.

As the first season of Welcome to Derry wraps up, we’ll find out how Leroy intends to fight back against both the military and Pennywise.

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2025-11-24 06:03