Listener 4317 Only Connect Two By The Tall'n

[jockie]

What a clever idea, and so much going on. Thanks, Tall'n. (I've never been first before: I hope I've not jumped the gun.(

[Ruthrobin]

No, Jockie, I think you are the first. We have been struggling with rather a lot of final letters to insert in what was originally one of the messiest grids I have ever filled. There was indeed so much going on. You gave us a fine challenge The Tall'n!

[starwalker]

There is indeed something of a mess and a lot going on. All I need to do now is work the final grid backwards, just to make sure that I have everything. Thanks Tall'n.

[Cagey]

I think I am all done too. A bit of an odd puzzle. Not sure if I understand all of it though. Will sleep on it now. a different sort of puzzle, and all the better for it. Thank you.

[AHearer]

What a busy grid! With all that was going on it was good that there were many fairly straightforward clues. I broke off at dinner time last night with one clue still unsolved, and of course it came to me as soon as I sat down this morning. Thanks, The Tall'n.

[emcee]

Yes, I thought exactly the same, when reviewing it last night: what an odd puzzle. There seemed to be several subplots without a main one. I didn't see the reason for entering those six pairs as they were -- what had this to do with a connection?

Anyway, thanks to The Tall'n; it was entertaining enough.

[perseverer]

Emcee - you would have to be familiar with the basis of the theme to appreciate the significance of the six pairs. Personally still have one of the eight rows to understand.

[perseverer]

............ And as soon as I posted, I got it!

[crosswhit99]

'Only Connect' has 4 rounds, the final one comprising phrases with 'certain letters' removed. 44d could have been clued as a single word with 2 such letters removed, for example, but I guess using pairs of answers made it easier for the setter by providing a wider selection to choose from ?

Does anyone know where we could find the first puzzle in this series ?

[Mesnilpat]

I have finished, I think. Not being familiar with only connect, I was mystified by some of the content. Now I begin to understand...

[s_pugh]

Not only am I unfamiliar with only connect I’ve never heard of it. Managed to cold solve the clues, identified the columns fairly early and sussed the 6 pairs. As to the 8 rows they are a mystery to me presumably owing to being ignorant of the theme. Not terribly impressed I have to say though I’m sure it makes perfect sense to those in the know.

[jim360]

It's quite a popular quiz, on BBC Four originally and now on BBC Two... surprised that people haven't heard of it. Some on AB can barely shut up about the host, Victoria Coren-Mitchell. It's just about finding connections between (usually four) different things -- sometimes fairly obscure connections, other times not, but all fiendishly clever. It's the sort of show that really should appeal to crossword fanatics -- indeed, I think Jane Teather who blogs on fifteensquared.net has been on the show!

Anyway, some generous clues and, after all, not too much trickery going on. I don't get a couple of the rows myself, but I think it's pretty clear what's going in those missing across answer.

[sunny-dave]

All done - it did help that I watch the relevant TV programme each week.

Very enjoyable - many thanks to The Tall'n.

Dave


One minor gripe - am I alone in being a bit underwhelmed by the fact that there are a lot of unches (including some unclued material) in the 9th column?

[the_heisman]

I do agree with a number of the comments here. Very good fun and not too demanding but I feel I have made a number of connections that do not particularly connect with each other. But again I don't watch much tv.

[upsetter]

Good fun - Thanks Tall'n.

[Staurologist]

I went all round the houses before I managed to finish this one off. Messy, I agree.

[s_pugh]

On further reflection I think I’ve resolved all the across entries at least as far as is necessary. Certainly a different approach with some neat overruns especially towards the north. Thanks Tall’n. Don’t watch the idiot box much but I’ll try and fit an episode in and see what all the fuss is about.

[UglyUncle]

How nice to see myself featured in this puzzle! There were plenty of easy clues and the theme was a give-away, but yes, I agree it was messy, and I don't understand all of the across connections yet.

Jane Teather has certainly been on, and I'm pretty sure Dave Tilley appeared in one of the earliest series.

[IainGrace]

Generally agree with emcee. Not quite finished. Easy clues helped, but inhibited, it seems, by not having a TV. Victoria Coren one associates more with poker?

[Cruncher]

Somewhat bewildered by this although it helps to discover from this thread that the title is a reference to a TV game. Must watch the box more. Still puzzled by some of the row connections but as the grid is already filled I guess it's only a matter of pride.

[perseverer]

Only Connect BBC2 this evening at 8.30. If nothing else, would help you understand the point of the six pairs clues.