Guardian Genius 200 - Parsing Help Please

[JJ109]

There are special instruction for the across clues, but as this is a downwards one, it is just a straight cryptic clue.

18d ....and not one of those here lacking finales (3) N _ R
Obviously the answer is NOR, and that fits the first part of the clue, but I don't understand the back bit.

It is a follow on clue from 16d Missing the first cereal - gone...... (3) _ _ O. I think the answer is (S)ago, but this may not be right

I hope this goes in Crosswords as it is not giving me an option to choose!

[klazomaniac]

(S)ago looks good to me as well JJ. I can't see anything as yet for 'Nor', but i'll keep looking.

[JJ109]

Just sussed it. It is not one of the thematic answers but with additions on the end it could be!

[JJ109]

Thanks for confirmation of sago, Klaz!

[klazomaniac]

I was toying with Norse and Norman. But neither made sense. I guess the theme may alter that then. Glad you sorted it out. Nothing more frustrating than an unparsed clue.

[JJ109]

I agree, unparsed clues, I think are worse than unsolved ones.

Nor is not a thematic answer but with additions on the end which are lacking, it could be one of the parts that are to be removed from the thematic answers (those here in this crossword that are lacking)..does that make sense?

[klazomaniac]

I was looking for unfinished words beginning with 'Nor'
norSE and norMAN
But obviously neither made any sense to the clue (when it was assumed a standard clue).

[JJ109]

So was I and that is why I have struggled with it.....and I know what the theme is! It has taken me all this time to realise that it refers to the theme without actually being part of it! Still got about half of it to do, but shall leave it and pick it up again tomorrow!

[klazomaniac]

I wish you luck, It sounds a little stinker. But I know you're more than capable. I just hope you enjoy it. Some can become a grind rather than a pleasurable challenge. Laters JJ, I'm off to cut my lawn :-)

[JJ109]

It's not too bad, actually Klaz! Same as all these thematic ones, once you have worked out the theme, the answers begin to fall into place.
It is a challenge, but an enjoyable one!

[crockshard]

11a Guardian enthralled by pop star.
Another themed clue, which is driving me nuts!
I have C?E?R. The clue lacks a definition, and at least one letter must be removed before arriving at the 5 letter answer to be inserted.

[JJ109]

Guardian = WE
inside Cher (pop star) = Chewer (undefined)
Manipulate the answer by removing W(est)
= Cheer

[crockshard]

Thank you so much, JJ. I have cheer penciled in and could see Cher, but could only assume ch as guardian.

[JJ109]

You're most welcome Crockshard

[RayH]

Hi jj... How did you work out the theme ?

[JJ109]

Hi Rayh
I got the answers to 22a which is an obvious anagram, and the only letter that can be removed and make sense is an N.
I then got 3,4 and 5 down to leave 11a = C _ E _ R and I hit on the answer Cheer as above and removed a W
What do N and W mean to you?
I then got 9a and had to remove NE and 13a SW
I leave you to do the rest!
Cheers Ray!

[RayH]

Thanks jj.. I don't think I could have workrd it out without you !