Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 22, 2020
I solved this puzzle very quickly and easily while noting that a substantial number of clues were strangely familiar. It was only after I had completed the solve that I tried to determine what was going on, only to realize that it is a repeat! The same, identical crossword was published as FT 16,490 on May 30th of this year. So, I think we have to assume this was a mistake on the FT’s part. Anyway, for more, I refer you to my blog of the original.
Well spotted, Pete. I didn’t notice anything amiss, but as the amusing ASSESS didn’t ring a bell, I guess I didn’t see the original.
Do you get not paid twice?
Yes, several clues in I had that déjà vu feeling and it was ‘judge jenny” that confirmed the repetition. Oh well, at least I completed this time around!
Hi Nila and Diane, Thank you for commenting.
Do I not get paid twice? Indeed I do not get paid. Twice. And I had wondered if Redshank did.
If so, Redshank should buy you a pint!
I see that I didn’t comment on the original blog of the puzzle. I don’t know why, because I certainly solved (and enjoyed) it but, rather alarmingly, since it’s only three months ago, I had the top third of the grid filled in before the ‘déjà vu feeling’ kicked in – for me, it was the brilliant ‘Piano work’ at 15ac that did it.
Commiserations, Pete. I expect that, like me, you were pleased to see Redshank’s name on the puzzle, only to be disappointed when the penny dropped. I wonder what they’d have done if it actually had been a Prize puzzle?
To Pete and Eileen, I meant to say that wonderful 15ac clue deserved a second airing – I prefer it to Signore Piano’s architecture. Scusi!
Amazing — I failed at the same clues (LAMB CHOP and BLUE MURDER) that I failed to get in May. Looking at my recent copy I did tick 4 clues that I thought were repeated — SALAMI, ESPALIER, ASSES, and GALA — 3 of those I picked as favourites back in May so that must have reinforced my memory of them. Thanks again to both.
Ah, I would like that pint! Thank you, Diane.
Thanks Redshank (again) and Pete
Even after being given a heads up that this was a repeat, I solved this again with only faint memories of the earlier clueing … hmm … is this a first sign? 🙁
As it turns out, I solved it in about half the time, so there was at least subliminal memories !
Was a completely different experience, starting in the SE corner which is where I finished last time.
Ended up with the clever Renzo Piano clue, whom I had to re-remember for this time.
Oh dear !!!
Meant to say that this was the second duplication of an FT crossword this year – the same Basilisk puzzle was published on 15/04 (16451) and 07/05 (16470). At least I did remember that after only 3 weeks !!