Shaun

I don’t often see the constructor chime in on this board and perhaps that is for good cause (allowing an air of mystery, or remaining a safe distance from criticism, perhaps) but I thought I might check in this time and sincerely thank each of you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with this puzzle. Whether you loved or hated it, you solved it, and I take that as a blessing. It’s an honor to be able to contribute a crossword that gave many of you a bit of fun, and maybe a few fits. One clue idea of mine that didn’t make the editorial filter was “Cause for an investigational probe?” at 12D. Crass, maybe, but I thought amusing. Alas, Star Trek: First Contact, is one of my favorite films, so Will & team blessed this puzzle with that particular PG-rating fix. Don’t forget to call your mother (or tell a motherly figure in your life that you appreciate them) tomorrow (and every day)!

Wonderful debut, friends, and with 9 interlocking debut entries! I appreciate the layout of your construction too. Here’s a “hooray” to themeless grids that have an artistic component… rather than purely square grid with line-like block clusters that suit the entries but otherwise don’t hold visual appeal, designs like this feel like their own little pieces of art. The circular grid with overlapping long entries also raises the difficulty + luck in keeping those entries fresh. I appreciated the whirlpool-like flow for the solve without any sectioned off nooks or crannies to get stuck on. Well done. I hope to see more from both of you!

David, the constructor, asks “What else was TANGO going to be?” Perhaps “Tango lesson”… TEACHING Teaching, noun: something taught… as in a lesson. Fits the symmetry too, yes?