0:20:03
We loved the theme. I'm not sure what to call it, but the letters "GE" are added to several answers, making funny answers. CHARLIECHANGE (20A: Swawpping out Sheen for Rose?), for example, and Frannie's favorite, ORIGINALSINGE (54A: Caveman's injury after discovering fire?).
The rest of the fill was not exactly what I would call "sparkling," but it was decent. I didn't particularly love ORACULAR (3D: Providing hints of the future), and there was the usual smattering of EZRA, ABA, and STYE. Also, I think YUL might be becoming the new "EEL."
There was a nice nod to RICHIE (4D: Havens who sang at Woodstock), who passed away recently. I also liked the nod to PLINY, who passed away some time ago. I would have preferred "Pliny the Elder," but you can't have everything.
I also liked BREWSKI (18D: Cold one), ZURICH (45D: City NE of Geneva), and, for a reason I can't quite pinpoint, BRUISE (22A: Fall result, maybe).
Overall, satisfying and funny.
- Horace
p.s. The "Crossword Fiend" linked to constructor Dan Feyer's own post which discusses this puzzle. I found it interesting.
16:37
ReplyDeleteYes...ORACULAR not the best. I like the Zs (AZTEC/ZURICH, EZRA/ZOOT) and the theme. I enjoyed SPACEBARGE (the first one I got, though I didn't know the theme at the time), and the reference to "Breaking Bad" (an excellent series, if you like that sort of thing) with BREAKINGBADGE.
9:53. Yes, that's just what I thought: great theme, especially for a Tuesday. What, no shout-out for the inclusion of LISA?? There was indeed a fair amount of crosswordese in this one. And how weak is the clue "Pepper's partner" for SALT? Still, the theme and BREWSKI made it enjoyable.
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