Today’s puzzle titled “I Have to Take This,” crafted by Billy Ouska and edited by Jared Goudsmit, offers an intriguing twist with its themed clues. Those who haven’t tackled it yet might want to pause here—spoilers are ahead!
The puzzle features a delightful mix of trivia and clever wordplay. One of today’s standouts is KAREN (28A), referencing KAREN O, the leading vocalist of the indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Their 2022 album, ‘Cool It Down,’ adds to their eclectic discography. Meanwhile, AIDAN (32A) clues us into AIDAN Hutchinson, the formidable defensive end for the Detroit Lions, who leaped into the NFL spotlight as the second pick in the 2022 draft.
For those who enjoy a bit of humor, the clue for GOOFY (6D) as a ‘wacky’ snowboarding stance is amusing; it introduces terminology that might be new to some. On the geographical front, MENLO (14A) parks us right in the heart of Silicon Valley, known for being the hub of a major tech giant’s headquarters.
Music and literature intertwine beautifully with OBOE (15A) and the haunting ‘Peter and the Wolf’ symphony, where the instrument symbolizes the duck. Then there’s the gripping dystopia of ‘The Handmaid’s TALE‘ (16A) by Margaret Atwood, which continues to resonate through its various adaptations.
Another literary highlight, THE FIFTH SEASON (20A), marks the beginning of N.K. Jemisin’s award-winning ‘Broken Earth’ series, a trilogy celebrated for its groundbreaking success. A quick shift to modern media brings us to RAE (30A), the social media sensation Addison with millions of TikTok followers.
Meanwhile, A SEAT AT THE TABLE (36A) captures Solange’s soulful musical journey with her chart-topping album, enriching the puzzle with a touch of pop culture. Speaking of culture, who can forget the timeless thrill of THE FLOOR IS LAVA (49A), prompting players to hop onto the furniture and avoid the ‘lava’?
The puzzle further appeals to gaming enthusiasts with LUIGI (57A), Mario’s taller twin, inviting nostalgia among avid video game fans. The ever-engaging AMA (1D) sessions on Reddit continue to draw curiosity from users eager for insights.
Nature lovers might appreciate seeing ALOE VERA (4D) in full form, known for its soothing properties. Literary circles, on the other hand, are intrigued by Mary Shelley’s youthful genius highlighted with TEEN (13D), a nod to her age when she penned ‘Frankenstein.’
Current societal themes echo through ADHD (29D), drawing attention to TJ Klune’s novel ‘The Extraordinaries,’ spotlighting a protagonist juggling this condition. Of course, no discussion is complete without a historical nod, evidenced by HELEN Keller’s (47D) admirable achievements.
Finally, today’s puzzle embraces a clever wordplay in its theme. The phrases “TAKE THE FIFTH,” “TAKE A SEAT,” and “TAKE THE FLOOR” cleverly align with the title ‘I Have to Take This,’ adding a satisfying ‘Aha!’ moment for solvers.
Concluding 2024 with this intriguing crossword from USA TODAY, solvers are once again reminded of the diverse blend of knowledge and creativity that each puzzle encapsulates. As we move into a new year, crosswords continue to offer not just a challenge but a journey through trivia, history, and culture.
