Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Spot on Chris, take a bow Sir:-)

Brendan, the theme is 16d. I can see 17 thematics, somewhat morr than half of 28 clues in total. Does anyone have more?

I was slow to get started, but eventually found it became much easier. FOI 1d, after having gone through all the across clues and solved none! LOI 8a, partly because I didn't think of the right meaning of "on the counter" (for which I have no excuse, as I've seen that in crosswords before) and partly because I wasted time on trying to justify another word which can mean "looked at", commonly in connection with "joints". COD 11d, runner up 20a. Someone, I forget who, said they had another solution for 20a which is equally good except for the last crosser. If it's the word I'm thinking of, I can't see where "Street" fits in, nor can I see where the 2nd half of the solution comes from.

Ah, I was talking myself into it being clouds or super-novas but I see it now.

Much appreciated Micky:-)

I'm up to 20 thematics, counting 16 itself. But I generally make questionable choices and overcount.

For instance, I think 11d is thematic based on the novel/film "Wonder Boys" [which I highly recommend "...Although I gather you two staged a
little raid on the (spoiler) pharmacopoeia. You missed a few bottles, by the way..."] and the first word of a UK brand name.

I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever seen another crossword where there has been so many COD contenders.

That said, in continuation of my memory lane musical posts, I'll go for Brian and M...... duet about 19d.

micky: re 20a, it was chrise, and I had the same difficulties as you!

Although the "generic" 8a clue frequently occurs in cryptics, most often with the beverage as the solution though sometimes with "looked at" in that role, somehow I always find it witty. 😊

Apologies if someone has noted this already, but 7 is also thematic (maybe only for Disney fans, of which I'm not one, I hasten to add)

Hi Margana, yes indeed. See my reference @19 to knowing more about Shakespeare than Disney!