Listener No 4351: Failed Attempt By Wiglaf

[AHearer]

One of the quickest solves of the year -- the definitions-only clues fell rapidly once the first was solved, and the final sentence was fairly easy to spot. Sorry, Wiglaf, but I'm left wanting a bit more.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, this was rather a speedy solve. For us too, the first 'definition only' clue quickly led to the rest. Still, we have enjoyed a solve that was fun and liked the final touch.

[djawhufc]

I enjoyed it personally. Agreed it wasn't the toughest but the sentence was unknown to me and gave me a smile. Thanks Wiglaf

[Contrarian]

I think it might have been better to omit the definitions of the unclued entries altogether. That might have produced a more substantial challenge.

[starwalker]

Not an example that I have come across before. As has been said, rather too easy to get the nature of the theme so soon. (four clues answered) Thanks Wiglaf, but I think that it should have presented a stronger challenge.

[upsetter]

We were able to enter most of the answers without knowing what the extra letter (if any) was.
Quite liked the puzzle thereafter

[upsetter]

C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas the Listener.

[tilbee]

At least no-one too taxed by the final wordsearch this week ! I agree with Contrarian since I actually guessed the theme after a first read through of the definitions before actually getting as far as the clues. Definitely on the easy end of the spectrum for a Listener but still good fun, so thanks to Wiglaf.

[roslyn251254]

Nice to be joining the Friday club this week! Yes, indeed a gentle one for newbies.

[jim360]

I think it might have worked better with a more elegant example of the theme, but never mind. Also got the theme fairly soon after my first glance, although one or two of the extra letters held me up a little and meant completion dragged out a bit. But all done now and, while not too difficult, it was a pleasant distraction for an evening. Thanks Wiglaf.

[Scorpius]

Well I, for one, was grateful for a puzzle that didn't require me to stare at the grid for hours on end looking for an unspecified object in a haystack. I'd also spent a whole day wrestling with Sabre in the Magpie, so this provided welcome relief. Granted, the clues were mostly easy (though a couple of crossers gave me trouble) but there's no harm in the odd easy puzzle, and there have been easier Listeners than this during the year.
I didn't even bother with the definition clues until I' solved most of the rest, so the theme came late to me. I agree with Contrarian that the thematic items could have been left unclued.
My only niggle was that one of the down clues seems to me to be structurally faulty.

[Cruncher]

Harmless piece of fun. Thanks Wiglaf

[aldanna]

Pleased to have an easy one as I am away from home and without my usual reference books. Silly but quite fun.

[s_pugh]

A very gentle solve, and a word search that even I could get. Thanks Wiglaf.

[icynorth]

I spotted the hidden name long before I worked out the sentence. It would have been good to keep this as the final reveal.

But it was a fun puzzle - thanks Wiglaf.

[IainGrace]

Pleasant enough but something of a damp squib. Allows us to turn to finishing off 4350. Catching up on Listener following the distractions of recent retirement.

[AndrewG-S]

A fun puzzle with an amusing finish. Nothing too troubling but that left time to watch an exciting finale to the cricket, which thankfully did not end up as another failed attempt. Thanks wiglaf.

[petefoxes]

I found this fairly straightforward until I came to the message, where I sold myself a kipper. I was missing two letters from unclear parses, and had assumed that the sentence was going to be the famous thematic one related to a character from a certain military anniversary (also 19 letters). Thanks, Wiglaf, and curses to myself for delaying the PDM until this morning.

[UglyUncle]

A quick solve indeed, but the disposition of the correct name in the grid is unconvincing (and, considering the gravity of the situation, probably impossible). A more pleasingly apt and elegant disposition could have been achieved without difficulty, and would have made the end-game more satisfying.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, Ugly Uncle, we had the same reaction about the 'disposition of the correct name' - rather pushing the limits!

[judypark]

As a Listener virgin I was delighted to complete the grid, however am at a loss as to what I have to highlight. Have got 16 of the extra letters but they make no sense. A gentle nudge would be greatly appreciated.