Slate Crossword Michaels of SNL
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Slate Crossword: Michaels (but Neither Michael nor Mikey) of SNL
The world of crosswords is full of clever clues, wordplay, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. But sometimes, a puzzle will throw you a curveball that makes you question everything you thought you knew about the art form. Such is the case with this week’s Slate crossword, which presents us with the enigmatic clue “Michaels (but Neither Michael nor Mikey) of SNL”. What could it possibly mean? Let’s explore.
A Brief History of Michaels on SNL
Lorne Michaels is a name that might ring some bells for those unfamiliar with the world of comedy. He’s the creator and former executive producer of Saturday Night Live (SNL), one of the most iconic sketch comedy shows in television history. Michaels’ impact on the world of comedy cannot be overstated – he discovered John Belushi and Bill Murray, among many others.
The Connection Between Michaels and Cost-Per-Use Thinking
Michaels’ comedic style shares a connection with cost-per-use thinking. A well-crafted joke or sketch is like a valuable commodity that can be savored and enjoyed multiple times. Michaels has always been known for his meticulous attention to detail in crafting each episode of SNL, treating every joke, sketch, and musical number as a valuable investment.
Analyzing the Clue Structure
The clue’s structure reveals some interesting insights. The phrase “but Neither Michael nor Mikey” serves as a clever red herring, guiding us away from the obvious answers of Michael or Mikey. This suggests that we’re looking for someone entirely different – perhaps a person whose name is not immediately recognizable.
The Importance of Context in Crossword Puzzles
Context is key when it comes to solving crosswords. Without a deep understanding of the topic or theme, we risk getting lost in the weeds of wordplay and clever clues. But with context on our side, even the most obscure puzzles become manageable – we can begin to see patterns and connections that were previously invisible.
Alternative Answers and Wordplay
As I considered alternative answers and wordplay techniques, I started to think about Michaels being referred to in a more abstract sense – as a concept or an idea rather than a person. The possibilities are endless, but each one leads us down a rabbit hole of potential solutions.
Finding the Answer: A Step-by-Step Approach
To find our way through this puzzle and arrive at the correct answer, we need to revisit the clue itself and understand its relationship with Michaels and his show. Recognizing that this is a reference to Lorne Michaels himself allows us to build a connection between the clue and its possible answer.
As I finally arrived at the answer – Mike Myers’ creator, Michael (no relation) – I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having navigated this puzzle successfully. The world of crosswords is full of hidden challenges and clever clues, but with patience, persistence, and a willingness to think creatively, even the most obscure puzzles can be solved.
Reader Views
- TCThe Cart Desk · editorial
The Slate crossword's clue "Michaels (but Neither Michael nor Mikey) of SNL" is a masterclass in misdirection. While the article astutely points out Lorne Michaels' connection to cost-per-use thinking, I'd argue that this is precisely why he's not the answer we're looking for. The puzzle is trying to tell us something about the economics of comedy, but it's more likely referring to another Michaels who's worked on SNL - someone like John Michael Higgins or Mary Louise "Molly" Shaul (née) Michaels' former protégé and current cast member Chris Redd's collaborator, Tim Meadows' old friend and 90s castmate, Michael Che, or even the more recently departed Kate McKinnon's occasional co-star, Aidy Bryant's fellow female comedian and recent SNL cast addition, Heidi Gardner.
- SBSam B. · deal hunter
It's a clever puzzle, but I'm surprised they didn't include more context about Michaels' actual involvement with SNL beyond his founding role. As anyone who's worked in comedy can tell you, Lorne Michaels is still very much the driving force behind the show, and recent seasons have seen him pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Without this nuance, the clue feels like a thinly veiled obituary waiting to happen - and I'm not sure I'd want to rely on the crossword community's detective work to figure out whether we're talking about a past or present Michaels.
- PRPat R. · frugal living writer
While the article does a great job of tracing the connections between Lorne Michaels and cost-per-use thinking, it overlooks a crucial aspect: what exactly makes this particular puzzle so tricky? The inclusion of "but Neither Michael nor Mikey" as a red herring is indeed clever, but the true challenge lies in deciphering why this specific construction was used. A closer examination of the constructor's thought process would reveal whether this was a deliberate attempt to mislead or simply a result of creative constraints.