SATURDAY PUZZLE — This is a brisk challenge from Mary Lou Guizzo, who has “hit for the cycle” for The New York Times, meaning that she has constructed at least one puzzle on every day of the week (as well as a bonus variety puzzle in 2016). Her themed grids are very inventive and often come with visual components, but I’ll gladly work on a themeless construction like this one, which is full of interesting references and bright wordplay.
Ms. Guizzo worked up a couple of lovely Valentine’s Day themes in recent years; if you’re looking for something romantic that doesn’t have thorns or empty calories, try her 2018 Wednesday or, for a bigger commitment, 2016 Sunday puzzle.