Liputan6.com, Jakarta The highly anticipated supernatural horror series, It: Welcome to Derry, has reached its climax with the premiere of Welcome to Derry Episode 5, titled "Neibolt Street."
This episode was a major highlight because it marked the official appearance of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, played by Bill Skarsgård, after only brief glimpses in previous episodes.
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The episode premiered on Sunday, November 23, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max, sparking enthusiasm from fans and critics alike.
In this fifth episode, viewers are taken deeper into the heart of terror in Derry, Maine, set in 1962, twenty-seven years before the events of It Chapter One.
The main characters, known as the Losers of '62, finally unite to confront the threat of Pennywise in the town's underground sewers.
The introduction of Pennywise in "Neibolt Street" not only lives up to expectations but also delivers a powerful impact through its gripping transformation scene.
The Long-Awaited Return of Pennywise
Pennywise's appearance in Welcome to Derry Episode 5 was a highly anticipated moment for fans.
Bill Skarsgård, who reprised his role as the terrifying clown, successfully brought the character to life with ease and utter horror.
His transformation scene from Matty Clements into Pennywise, accompanied by discordant singing, is considered one of the most effective and impactful introductions in the series.
Critics widely praised the series' introduction of Pennywise, calling it "perfect" and "impactful."
Overall, the episode successfully tied together the various storylines, creating a more cohesive and engaging narrative.
The Mystery of Neibolt Street and the Sewer Fight
The episode title "Neibolt Street" refers to an iconic location in the It mythology, and this episode takes the Losers of '62 to Pennywise's lair in the Derry sewers.
They unite to confront the increasingly real threat, having been fooled by Pennywise's disguise as the "survivor" Matty Clements.
The revelation that Matty is not actually a survivor and that the "child" they followed into the sewers is Pennywise in disguise adds to the suspense.
In addition to the Losers' struggles, the military also gets involved in exploring the sewers beneath Derry in search of the mysterious entity.
However, their involvement demonstrates the scale of the threat facing the city of Derry and the collective effort to understand and stop it.
Lilly Bainbridge, one of the main characters, uses an artifact created from Pennywise's comet prison to exorcise the clown.
Hank and Dick Hallorann's storyline also deepened, with Hallorann facing the dangers and mysteries surrounding his own powers.
Storyline Development and Critical Response
Episode 5 of Welcome to Derry received generally positive reviews, particularly for the anticipated introduction of Pennywise.
Critics praised the series' ability to weave the various storylines into a cohesive whole.
Character and relationship development, such as the friendship between Lilly and Marge, was also praised for adding emotional depth to the horror narrative.
Despite the overwhelming praise, there were some critical remarks.
Some reviews noted that the series took significant liberties with Stephen King mythology.
Furthermore, questions arose about how Pennywise could be in two places at once, trapping children and attacking the military simultaneously.
The episode also left major questions about Hallorann's powers and the artifact used to stop "IT."
With eight episodes in the first season, the final episode is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, promising a thrilling ending for viewers.