Downright Tricky #2

We got a lot of engaged feedback on Downright Tricky #1 — thanks to everyone for that — and one such note from juff, our editor, was, "I hope the grids get taller and skinnier as they go forward."

Well, we thought that was a pretty good idea. At eight squares across, we want to be careful how much skinnier we make it, but today's edition is taller and thus takes you further down into the gnarly depths.

Thanks to juff and test solvers Andy Stilp and John Sams, as well as to crossword superstar and two-time Rackenfracker editor Will Eisenberg for helping us shepherd a clue that ultimately got bounced for being too too, even for Downright Tricky #2.