Sally Analyzes USA TODAY’s Daily Crossword Puzzle: Color TV

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further!

Constructor: Matthew Stock

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

August 25, 2024 Andrews McMeel

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

KIRBY (15A: Spherical pink Nintendo character) – Even though I’m not well-versed in video games, discovering KIRBY was fun. Introduced in 1992, the character, designed for simplicity, has graced over thirty Nintendo games. KIRBY can inhale objects and other creatures to either spit them out as projectiles or copy their abilities. I think KIRBY is cleverly designed and quite interesting.

BLACK MIRROR (17A: Sci-fi show with a "Bandersnatch" spinoff) – This British TV series, inspired by The Twilight Zone, is an anthology set in a dystopian future exploring new technologies. The 2018 interactive Netflix movie, BLACK MIRROR: Bandersnatch, allows viewers to make decisions for the main character, enhancing the narrative experience.

BLUE EYE SAMURAI (59A: Anime series set in 17th-century Japan) – Premiering in 2023, this anime features Mizu, a female warrior with a complex identity and blue eyes. Set in 17th-century Japan, Mizu’s quest is driven by revenge, adding depth to the storyline.

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

AMISH (1A: Pennsylvania sect) – Known for simple living and plain dress, the AMISH community in Pennsylvania is the largest in the United States. Their lifestyle reflects strong cultural and religious traditions.

PSP (11A: Handheld Sony gaming device) – Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s first handheld console, revolutionizing on-the-go gaming.

BAHAI (14A: Faith represented by a nine-pointed star) – Established in the 1800s by Bahá’u’lláh in Iran, the Bahá’í faith promotes the unity of all people and religions. The number 9 symbolizes perfection and unity.

EUROPE (22A: Slovakia’s continent) – Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, with Bratislava as its capital.

YELLOWJACKETS (34A: Thriller drama series about a girls’ soccer team) – This series, beginning in 2021, follows a high school girls’ soccer team after their plane crashes in the wilderness, detailing their survival and the aftermath 25 years later.

DEE (56A: Film director Rees) – Dee Rees has notable works including Bessie (2015), Pariah (2011), Mudbound (2017), and The Last Thing He Wanted (2020), earning recognition in the film industry.

BEAU (65A: Name that sounds like a gift topper) – The name BEAU resembles "bow," a decorative feature placed on gifts.

ETSY (70A: Site with handcrafted Wingspan bird feeders) – ETSY offers various handcrafted upgrades for the bird-feeder dice tower of the Wingspan board game, a personal favorite of mine.

ABBA (1D: Palindromic "Mamma Mia" band) – The popular musical Mamma Mia incorporates songs from the renowned band ABBA, known for their hit, "Mamma Mia."

MALTS (2D: Milkshake alternatives) – A malt is a milkshake with added malted milk powder, providing a unique toasty and nutty flavor.

AKITA (6D: Large Japanese dog breed) – The AKITA breed, hailing from northern Japan, was historically a companion to samurai and is known as the "silent hunter" due to its rare barking.

RRR (8D: "Naatu Naatu" film) – The 2022 Telugu-language film RRR features the Academy Award-winning song "Naatu Naatu," recognized for its outstanding original composition.

SKIP AD (12D: "Click to watch your video instead of this commercial") – This everyday action brings a smile, prompting me to wonder who actually watches the commercials.

AOC (27D: Congresswoman in "The Squad" (Abbr.)) – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), hailing from New York, is part of "The Squad," a group of progressive Democratic representatives.

ERIE (35D: The "E" in HOMES) – HOMES is a mnemonic for the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, ERIE, and Superior.

TOFURKY (42D: Plant-based meat portmanteau) – TOFURKY combines "tofu" and "turkey," representing a brand of plant-based meat substitutes.

SEE (50D: Visualize) and SEA (52D: Large body of water) – This pair of homophones was a delightful inclusion.

LAOS (60D: Country between Thailand and Vietnam) – LAOS, a landlocked Southeast Asian country, shares borders with Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, China, and Cambodia. Its capital is Vientiane.

Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

BLACK MIRROR (17A: Sci-fi show with a "Bandersnatch" spinoff)
YELLOWJACKETS (34A: Thriller drama series about a girls’ soccer team)
BLUE EYE SAMURAI (59A: Anime series set in 17th-century Japan)

Each theme answer is a TV show name beginning with a color: BLACK, YELLOW, and BLUE. The theme is enjoyable and the puzzle offers a fair challenge, even if some shows are new to the solver. Matthew provided a delightful puzzle with this clever theme.

Source: USA TODAY