Lex

GIBE / BONSAMIS / NINO / ERNO was no bueno.

Time to complete 99% of puzzle correctly: 20 minutes Time to pore over the puzzle three times, have a gnawing feeling that CUTLETS is wrong, give up, and read this article: 12 additional minutes

I don't understand the insistence on associating Stephen REA and V for Vendetta. I've seen that exact clue more than once. I assume it's to create confusion with Stephen FRY who also has a three-letter last name and is also in that film. It seems too cute for a Monday puzzle.

Can someone explain the answer to the Mini's 'Table manners?' clue? I understand the connection being made with table relating to dining out, but I just don't see 'manners' translating to 'waiters'

They must have given up on enforcing Rebus squares. I put in E alone, and the puzzle finished.