In its very first episode, Welcome to Derry set the tone for this series in terms of deaths and kids. The show killed off not one but four young people (including Matty), three of whom we thought would be a part of the show’s main ensemble of kids. Since then, there have been quite a few miscellaneous deaths and some pretty shocking moments. But, in episode seven of Welcome to Derry, we bid farewell to one of the kids we’ve now grown to love and adore. The death of Rich is one of the saddest and heart-wrenching moments of the series, and it takes place during a disturbing milestone event in Derry’s bloody history.
The end of episode six gave us a strong hint at danger when several white men (including the former police chief) showed up wearing masks. They barged into the Black Spot looking for Hank Grogan. Hallorann assures them that they are mistaken about his whereabouts but Grogan is afraid that people will get hurt, so he tries to turn himself in. However, the Black soldiers and patrons stand their ground, knowing that sending Grogan with this group is signing the innocent man’s death certificate. They draw their weapons and the white group seems to retreat.
However, things get incredibly dark and gut-wrenching when the patrons are locked in the barn and it is set on fire. The entire scene goes on for some time as we watch people burn alive and get shot in the head by the white mob. It’s a moment that’s from the IT novels and it is very hard to watch onscreen. And, to really hit us hard, the scene gets to a point where Margie and Rich are stuck in the main room. Hallorann is not able to physically reach them to help them escape. Rich finds a metal box and deduces that it can withstand the heat and fire. Margie tells him that it is not big enough for both of them. He insists she gets in… and she is right. He closes the box on her and climbs on top to keep her in.
They have a conversation where he admits that he’s always liked her, and they even tell each other “I love you.” Rich succumbs to all the smoke inhalation and his body is beside the box the next morning when firefighters arrive. Margie does survive, as does Ronnie and Will, who escape through a makeshift hatch in the floor. The three embrace Rich’s lifeless body with tears in their eyes. It’s a deeply moving and traumatic moment that hits completely different than the other deaths we’ve seen, even Pauly Russo’s demise.
When the first set of kids died, we barely knew any of these characters. But, over time, Rich’s way of holding the group together as a glue and sweet persona won fans over. It is an incredibly sad way for such a sweet and adorable kid to go. The worst part is this death was driven by racism and one woman’s twisted desire to bring her father back. Now, considering Pennywise is on the loose in Derry and has targeted Will Hanlon, we can only hope that the remaining kids make it out alive in the finale.