The series “IT: Welcome to Derry” is filled with Stephen King references, including allusions to Shawshank Prison and the character Dick Hallorann from “The Shining.” The third episode brings in an aspect from King’s novel that was not present in Andy Muschietti’s “IT” films: slingshots.

In King’s “IT,” the Losers Club employs a slingshot to injure Pennywise, realizing that silver can hurt It. They craft slugs from silver dollars, and Beverly, noted for her exceptional aim, is selected to handle the slingshot. She manages to wound It, who at that moment takes on a werewolf appearance, reinforcing the silver connection.

Although Beverly’s shooting prowess was highlighted in the 1990 “IT” miniseries, it was excluded from Muschietti’s adaptations, where neither the slingshot nor the silver dollars featured. Instead, Beverly finds herself captured by Pennywise in a damsel-in-distress predicament during the climax of the film.

Nevertheless, “IT: Welcome to Derry,” created by Muschietti, his sister Barbara, and Jason Fuchs, revisits this interpretative decision. Episode 3 transports viewers back to 1908, two cycles before the current timeline of the series. It depicts General Francis Shaw and local shopkeeper Rose as children. Francis purchases water from Rose but, short on cash, offers her his slingshot in exchange.

As time progresses, Francis and Rose grow closer as friends. Francis enters the woods despite Rose’s warnings and faces Pennywise, who manifests as a terrifyingly tall, one-eyed figure. Just before Pennywise can harm Francis, Rose uses her slingshot to shoot him.

This moment resonates with “IT” and Beverly’s part, while also advancing “Welcome to Derry’s” theme of presenting new, older iterations of the Losers Club: young friends who band together to confront Pennywise, often with slingshots in hand. Future episodes may delve deeper into the lives of young Rose and Francis.

“IT: Welcome to Derry” is broadcast on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.