Spectator 2618 - Chain Gang By Cheesecracker

[Matakari]

Good evening, Cheesecracker’s offering was not overly tender. In fact, it was gripping to the end with a fascinating theme. A welcome respite from this week’s EV for me! Just two clues are left to be cracked for which I seek some help with grateful thanks.

5a Losing starter, rubbish service is behind (6) : ?S?E??
2d Personal servant denied opening the soul (5) : AT???

( Eleven unclued entries may be connected from 38 to 17, their unchecked letters spelling out CHAIN’S PAIRS, WE AGREE? )

[FleshpotsOfDevon]

5a ASTERN (Waste without starter, plus RN for Royal Navy)

2d ATMAN (Personal servant - Batman - denied opening for word which I’ve never heard of which means the soul ;)

[FleshpotsOfDevon]

The divine, essential self according to Chambers

[Neveracrossword]

Thank goodness you found this one a bit more palatable, Matakari! I enjoyed putting all the thematic stuff together, hope you did too.

[Matakari]

Many thanks, FleshpotsOfDevon, I had 5a but could not parse it. And like you, I never heard of Atman, but trust the BRB! Nevertheless, I'm pleased with my Spectator performance and just hoping the next EV will be something close to it!

[Matakari]

Yes, NACW, the thematic aspect of it was really exciting and gratifying. The letters all fell into place quite neatly, indeed!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari. Yes, I was quite happy with today's puzzle - I like those that have good clues and a theme that works out quite logically. It was far better than a list of Corrie characters, composers A- M etc.
We've had a couple of relatively straightforward EVs, so we might be presented with more of a challenge this week. Then again, we could get another easy one... who knows?

[FleshpotsOfDevon]

I’ve yet to have a bash at the EV.

[Neveracrossword]

Fleshpots,I enjoyed EV, it was good fun. Most solvers (though not Matakari) found it fairly straightforward.

[teacher1]

Can I please have a hint for the unclued. Thank you.

[Neveracrossword]

Teacher, it's hard to give meaningful hints to the theme - because it isn't a particular thing (list) this week. What's needed is to get from 38 A to 17 A, using the unclued entries as stepping stones. An example, not from the puzzle... Gas Fire Engine Driver.

[teacher1]

Thank you Neveracrossword ..... will try to get the little grey cells in motion.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, teacher1. There's quite a generous hint, about parts of the chain, on another thread.