Listener 4721 Quads Iv By Shark

[upsetter]

I can't find an existing entry so here goes.

A perfectly good crossword somewhat marred by the unpleasantness of the theme and the ambiguity in the instructions.

Thanks, Shark.

[emcee]

Clues were OK although I still have one left to parse (11ac).
The objects (with a little imagination in one case) were fairly clear. One of the four was particularly difficult to find but I guess I wasn't "tuned in".

I was expecting the more famous exponent of the trade as the final part of the endgame.

Thanks, Shark.

[upsetter]

@emcee - perhaps twice skimmed would have been fairer.

[emcee]

Thanks, upsetter. I just came back on to say I'd parsed it -- what a weird word to work with!

[HawkCrossword]

A high-quality puzzle, as we come to expect from Shark. Steady progress through some excellent clues, before a long search for the final illustration.

Thanks, Shark!

[Dim16]

For the first time this year I have not been able to identify the theme despite completing the grid. I would call this a case of GWIT but for the fact that no one else has had that problem, so just me being dim.

A gridstare hasn't helped either.

Will no doubt continue to look at it from time to time in the hope of inspiration.

[upsetter]

@Dim16 - the second line of the preamble is a little misleading.

[Dim16]

@upsetter

Thanks. Given that the second line seemed 100% clear that has given me food for thought.

Will look at it tomorrow with a fresh mind and a positive outlook.

[Dim16]

I didn't solve Shark's puzzles in 2020 or 2021 so no surprise this one has also defeated me. At least this time I completed the grid so some progress at least.

[olichant]

Great puzzle with a lovely theme and denouement, and really nice clues. Enjoyed that, even if I did make very heavy weather of the endgame.

[Cruncher]

A shortfall of battleships held up my endgame - and don't think I'll get the school Art prize - but happy to got over the line. Thought some of the clues were jolly difficult

[sunny-dave]

Phew - finished the gridfill at the weekend and have been faffing around with ideas for the endgame at odd intervals ever since.

Finally spotted the theme about an hour ago and then it was plain(ish) sailing to do the illustrations and the final letter changes.

Very hard and (as usual with Shark), once you know the answer it's all impeccably fair.

Thanks for a very good challenge.

[ PS - when I showed the redoubtable gness the final grid, she promptly said "You should have asked me earlier - it's a pet subject of mine ... "

Doh!! - as Homer would undoubtedly have said ]

[Dim16]

Intrigued that the theme can be both unpleasant and lovely.

Congrats to all those able to identify it