Katherine Baicker & Jeff Chen’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Production Assistants”—Jim P’s evaluation

Alternative title for this puzzle: “Makerspace.” Each theme clue is a well-recognized phrase of the shape [___ maker?], and every reply is the punny results of altering the that means of the primary phrase.

Wall St Journal crossword answer · “Production Assistants” · Katherine Baicker & Jeff Chen · Wed., 11.9.22

• 20a. [Cabinet maker?] PRIME MINISTER.
• 28a. [Basket maker?] POWER FORWARD.
• 45a. [Play maker?] SCRIPT WRITER.
• 55a. [Ice maker?] DIAMOND CUTTER.

Very good. Each clue and reply is solidly within the language, and the puns are simply acknowledged with out being groanworthy. Works for me.

Highlights within the fill embody LAURA DERN, LIP READER, RADIO ERA, MEAT SAUCE, and FLAME WAR. Do individuals nonetheless use this final phrase? I bear in mind it from method again within the Usenet days, however I don’t recall listening to it too usually recently. Also, EXIT DATE. I can solely consider it in navy phrases, like when the US pulls out of no matter nation it’s in. Any different examples of the time period you may consider?

Clues of observe:

• 36a. [Advantage that keeps competitors at bay, in business lingo]. MOAT. Totally new to me. Needed each crossing.
• 58d. [Makes out, in a way]. TAGS. “Out” as in baseball.

Solid, punny theme and powerful fill. 3.75 stars.