This week's puzzle is by that favoured of setters, Paul, and I think that, possibly for the first time ever, I really appreciate it what it is to be on the setter's wavelength.
My FOI (First One In) was 11a and that was quickly followed by 4d and I was on my way.
I'm not sure if this constitutes a theme, but there are several film references.
I know Paul is known for his sometimes risque clues, the so-called "Paulines" but I didn't notice any, of course that's not to say there aren't any!
Anyone having trouble getting started just go to 15a - the answer was also in last week's crossword! The fact that he's appeared two weeks in a row did make me wonder if he'd passed away recently but no - he's alive and well:-) Also, the two long across answers are both anagrams, which should help a lot, although I'd never heard of the first one. There's also an easy "hidden" clue in the bottom half of the downs.
I am still puzzled by 12a - At first I thought the answer must be the "movie" (by Scorsese) but it can't be because I have it ending in a D - to get the middle letter for 8d? Also, the parsing for 25a still has me baffled but hopefully I'll have a PDM (Penny Drop Moment).
COD (Clue Of the Day) - lots of contenders, as one would expect from Paul, with 2d and 19a both excellent and 17d reminded me of Latin lessons in school, but I'm going with the witty 27a.
It's really great that more and more new solvers are joining our friendly discussion thread each week. So please feel free to leave your thoughts about the crossword and/or ask for a hint if you get stuck, or answer other people's queries if you can.
Thanks to Paul for a most enjoyable puzzle.
Stay safe:-)