Ev - Sunday Telegraph Enigmatic Variations 1147: Sets Out By Ferret

[jim360]

I'll start the ball rolling on this rather fun one with a theme that's a personal favourite of mine. Some very cunning clues and, perhaps, a poignant end game. Wonder if this might have been a shade more appropriate next weekend? But never mind, glad to see it regardless and thanks Ferret.

[novalis]

Yes, a fun puzzle. Not a particularly favourite theme of mine but a quick Google search of two of the thematic answers got me there quite quickly. Yes, it would certainly have been a tad more appropriate for this coming weekend.

[DocHH]

I had populated the grid and had changed the 4 letters fairly quickly, but had only solved 1 of the 5 second words of the titles, which initially left me at a disadvantage with the grid gazing. After solving 2 more second words a search revealed what had to be highlighted.
Off to the Caribbean on the appropriate day, and as my cousin told me, Old People need warmth!

[devadolly]

Certainly do DocHH, just got back from air temp 85, sea temp 85 & even the rain 85! Done the washing, ready for off again.
Have completed the grid and suspect I know what the theme is, but I'm blowed if I can get any further, either with the second parts or the latter changes. As ever, I am totally usless about which letter should be left out so I end up with some extremely strange looking part words, heavy hint would be appreciated before I go cross-eyed.

[jim360]

The various extra letters give additional thematic material but it's not necessary to solve them in order to complete the puzzle. I think in the end I back-solved a few extra letter clues to complete the names I knew they'd have to be, once the theme had become clear.

As to the "second parts", if you have an inkling as to the theme I'd suggest turning to google/ wikipedia that reveals all.

[EV_Solver]

Nice puzzle, nice theme. And as far as I can see, the puzzle was published on the correct weekend; the final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth was first shown exactly twenty-five years ago yesterday, on 2nd November 1989.

[jim360]

Well if we are revealing the theme... I had in mind that the poignant moment marking the end of the final episode would fit in well with next weekend's Remembrance Sunday. Of course if we're also at or near the anniversary week of the final episode then I guess this weekend was the right one after all.

[DocHH]

Jim360, I rather suspect that EV_Solver has revealed far more than devadolly would have liked, but the damage is done now. Personally I think it is far more difficult to hint than reveal. On the other hand you now know when I will be heading to sunnier climes, and will not be appearing on an EV thread until December.
Herself has already started looking for a holiday for June/July next year, but there may be additional opportunities before that too!!!!!!! Such are the benefits of retirement.

[devadolly]

Not to worry Doc, actually had the right theme and (very strangely) the letters did add up to two recognisable names. However, I am still having great trouble in finding the 6th title, questioning 43a and working out which letters to change. Google has only confirmed what I suspected.

[DocHH]

devadolly, 43a think look at angrily without blinking, rather than lurid.

[Christiana]

Trailing along in the rear. Finally caught up with several recent EV's after a couple of holidays. (I so agree "old people need warmth" though haven't actually made it to warmer climes yet).
Now, having cleared the decks, am off again (Isle of Man and family, plus Turkey touring) so also will be missing most of November.
Enjoyed this one, but still puzzling over 21a. Have the answer but the wordplay escapes me, ditto 3d

[devadolly]

Got there in the end!