Spectator 2617 19A

[Boethius]

Nearly complete, but I don’t really understand last part of the rubric ‘one solution finally and another first and last’, or why 19A should start with ‘M’ if we’re ‘Enzed’. Grateful for some light!

[FleshpotsOfDevon]

I’m following this thread for the same reason! I’ve got a full grid but I’d like to know why it is like it is, so to speak.

[JJ109]

There is no answer that could begin with one letter, so it starts with an M and ends with that letter.

Because of the above, Doc didn't want to confuse because one themed answer begins and ends with the same letter

[FleshpotsOfDevon]

Got it! Right, where’s me stamps ;)

[JJ109]

I should say - there is no themed answer that Doc could fit in his grid that began with a certain letter.

[JJ109]

--And one answer 12a starts with a themed letter and ends with a themed letter, and these are the only instances that those letters are themed

[Boethius]

Thank you!

[johnpiper]

You beat me to it.

[Boethius]

i.e. there is no answer that could begin with one particular letter, so it starts with an M and ends with that letter instead. Got it. Many thanks.