Inquisitor 1675

[saladdodger]

Some answers are longer than the space provided...making clashes in the grid. Symbols then replace the clash
Other answers need altering before entry ....( i can see how these work..)

17a A lot of productive discussion curtailed revealing a gaping void (6 or more)
34a Brave US lawyer taking on syndicate (4 or more)
1d Short "e" sound initially heard in "boxes", on reflection (more than 4)

[ProfessorMaisie]

...and your letters are right, so there's only one letter left to place.

[hankir]

Thanks ProfessorMaisie.

[Slugabed]

Good afternoon all! Have finished the grid (correctly I hope/think), but cannot solve 8 across, "Guts from local happened to enthrall the writer (4)" - I have: ?esa. Any help appreciated as usual.

[Thomboid]

Found this puzzle's endgame a bit underwhelming, to be honest - unless I'm missing something (very likely). Is there anything connecting the alterated words to the theme (other than the same thematic letter being omitted)? Also, 21ac - have the answer but can't relate the answer to the definition. Thanks!

[cranberryboat]

@Slugabed 8a answer is WAS (happened) around ME (the writer), Scots (ie 'local') word for 'guts' (or belly, womb, etc). Entry is thematically altered.

@Thomboid 21ac - K(ing) followed by ITE(m); expression 'to fly a kite' is to test out ideas, so I guess in this sense a kite is a test of public opinion.

May well be mising something obvious, but can't parse the dance at 16d - any ideas?

[Neveracrossword]

Cranberry, 'Just missing out on first' would give (H+your first five letters, 'recording' gives the last two.

[cranberryboat]

Ah, of course! Many thanks Neveracrossword...