"Free for All X," by Harvey Estes

Editor's Comments

One of the hallmarks of Harvey's themelesses is his emphasis on fresh, contemporary fill.  My favorite entries here are BINGE-WATCH, RANSOMWARE, MUMBLECORE, and IN THE HOUSE, though NTH DEGREE, SPIDERMAN, and RAINFOREST are close runners-up.  Harvey also enjoys sprinkling in witty clues—I especially like [They're spotted on the plains] for APPALOOSAS and [The French lieutenant's woman?] for FEMME.  Even some of his more straightforward clues, such as [One who eschews thank-yous] for INGRATE and ["If all ___ fails, read the instructions"] for ELSE, show the extra mile he goes to ensure a fun solving experience.  How did you fare on this puzzle?