Inquisitor 1189

[stymied]

Another nice Inquisitor crossword with a satisfying conclusion.
Why isn't this crossword treated with the reverence (apparently)
reserved for the Listener? (which it quite often rivals). Too often
solutions are given up far too easily (I've probably been guilty of this as well)
when queries are posted.

I now await the howls of disapproval.

[snikwal]

I entirely agree with your sentiments. This particular Inquisitor was a challenging one for me but as you say it has a very rewarding solution. It certainly is by far my favourite weekly crossword. On a personal note I'm happy to give limited help particularly if the solver appears to be nearing the end but I agree one doesnt want to give the game away especially so for such a demanding but entertaining crossword.

[slaney]

The Inquisitor is also my favourite crossword - an added bonus is the relatively small entry as it is not (yet) on line, so there is a greater chance of winning the champagne.

Thanks to Lato for a very enjoyable crossword.
A couple of the "associations" were new to me.

On most Inquisitor threads I've seen, hints rather than direct answers were given, so I'm not sure I would agree that solutions are given too easily.

[nilesquimby]

Hi, I'm totally new to this puzzle, and it looks daunting to say the least! (I do many "difficult" puzzles, stopping short at The Listener)

My plan, if you can call it that, is to go step by step and see where it leads. I don't expect to finish at this stage, but I've surprised myself before with moments of clarity, so hopefully I'll get at least halfway or so! :-))

[serpentinew]

Seems fair enough to me - For myself, it is and suspect will always be my favourite of the 3 weekend advanced cryptics. As to helping others, I generally will, but would not usually give a direct answer. This is a fun one and well worth perserverance as the end-game was not what I was expecting, when I stumbled across the ninth of the unclued entries first.

[stymied]

Pretty much agree with everything that's been said and, tempting fate, there weren't any howls of disapproval. Apart from being an entertaining crossword, if you're lucky enough to win the Inquisitor prize you are also provided the means of celebrating the event. Having been fortunate enough to win Listener a few weeks ago, my elation was somewhat dampened when a paperback edition of Brewer's arrived -- the most underwhelming of prizes (when will it fall apart?), and hardly a fitting memento of the event; this is supposed to be THE premier crossword. Has it always been the paperback
edition, or have recent compensation payouts by News International meant that cost-cutting was required?

Having just tidied up the loose ends in this weeks Listener, I'd say that the conclusion of this week's Inquisitor was by far the more satisfying.

Many thanks for all your comments.

[spicer47]

It reigns supreme!

[Indy-trier]

Having read all of your comments I'm sure I must be really stupid to be stuck on this one! However, having only taken a couple of hours or so to complete 1190 I feel better about asking for some help on 1189. I'm sure I've misled myself by putting wrong answers in 18 & 19 Down. Any tips please?

[gribble]

Indy trier, 18d score off, 19d hard time