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There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Good Try (Freestyle)Constructor: Steve Johnson

Editors: Darby Ratliff & Amanda Rafkin

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

• RED SEA (8A: Body of water parted in Exodus) RED SEA is making its second puzzle appearance in three days, as we saw it on Tuesday. The RED SEA is an inlet of the Indian Ocean that lies between Africa and Asia. Today's clue references the Biblical story of Moses, found in the book of Exodus, that tells of the parting of the RED SEA. For completeness sake, and in case there are any Biblical scholars reading this, I feel compelled to add that although Yam Suph (the Hebrew name for the body of water in Exodus) has traditionally been translated as RED SEA, some scholars believe that "SEA of Reeds" is a more accurate translation.
• MISSOURI (17A: The "Show Me" State) I grew up in the Show Me State of MISSOURI, so this one made me smile.
• LEMURS (19A: "Madagascar" primates) Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean. LEMURS, of which there are 103 known species and subspecies, are endemic (native) to Madagascar. LEMURS are recognizable by their large eyes, pointed snout, and long tail. In the clue, the word Madagascar is in quotation marks, which means it is referencing the 2005 animated movie, Madagascar. The movie features a community of LEMURS, led by a ring-tailed LEMUR named King Julien XIII, voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen.
• LATE BLOOMER (20A: Person who takes time to reach their full potential) This answer reminds me of the wonderful picture book, Leo the LATE BLOOMER, which was written by Robert Kraus and illustrated by Jose Aruego. In the book, a young tiger named Leo is a LATE BLOOMER.
• LAURA (44A: "Little Women" actor Dern) The 2019 movie Little Women is the seventh film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel of the same name. The movie was directed by Greta Gerwig, and LAURA Dern plays the role of Marmee March, mother to Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh), and Beth (Eliza Scanlen). The word actor in the clue here (instead of actress) is used as a gender-neutral term for a person who acts.
• KARMA (45A: ___ is a cat purring in my lap 'cause it loves me") This lyric – "KARMA is a cat purring in my lap 'cause it loves me" – is from Taylor Swift's 2023 song, "KARMA." It just so happens that when I read this clue I had a cat purring on my lap.

• ADULTS (5D: "We're all ___ here" ("Let's be mature")) This clue made me chuckle. Honestly, sometimes I think being ADULTS is overrated.
• AURORA (6D: ___ borealis (northern lights)) The AURORA borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in the sky that occurs when solar winds disturb the magnetosphere. I don't really have a bucket list of life goals, but one thing I've consistently said would be on such a list is seeing the AURORA borealis. Living in the midwest, I assumed I would need to travel north to view the northern lights. However, this past May the AURORA borealis was visible in Iowa, and I was fortunate enough to be able to see it. It was an amazing experience, just as I had expected.

• ENERGY (9D: Monster ___) Monster ENERGY is an ENERGY drink sold by Monster Beverage Corporation.
• LOOFA (25D: Shower scrubber, in Britain) The "in Britain" part of the clue is included to alert solvers of a variant spelling. The shower scrubber known as loofah in the U.S. is sometimes spelled as LOOFA in Britain. However you spell it, a loofah/LOOFA is a scrubbing sponge made of the fibers of the fruit of the luffa plant.
• RAE (31D: "American Fiction" actor Issa) American Fiction is a 2023 movie based on Percival Everett's 2001 book, Erasure. It tells the story of a Black professor who – frustrated with the lack of success of his novels – writes a satirical novel mocking the stereotyped writing expected of Black authors. To his surprise, the novel is mistaken for serious literature and becomes successful. Jeffrey Wright portrays the author, Dr. Thelonious "Monk" Ellison. Issa RAE portrays another author, Sintara Golden.
• TOY (34D: Puzzle feeder or catnip-filled mouse, e.g.) Another cat reference!
• STAN (37D: Suffix for seven Central Asian countries) This clue is a great opportunity for a Geography Review Quiz. How many of the seven countries whose name ends in STAN can you name (without looking it up!)? Check your answer to this Geography Review Quiz below. I was only able to name four – geography is not my strong suit. Were you able to beat my score?
• CATS (56D: Lions and tigers, but not bears) Willow and I definitely enjoyed the trio of answers related to CATS today. I've seen this clue before, and it always makes me laugh. It's so perfect.
• APES (58D: "Planet of the ___") Planet of the APES is a sci-fi media franchise that includes books, movies, comics, and TV series. The franchise began with Pierre Boulle's 1963 book La Plenète des singes, which was adapted into the 1968 movie Planet of the APES.
• A few other answers I especially enjoyed:
  • SCRATCH THAT (55A: "Never mind!")
  • PHOTO OPS (62A: Occasions to pose with celebs)
  • STUPENDOUS (11D: Astounding)
  • STICKY NOTE (28D: Post-it, for one)
• Answer to Geography Review Quiz: The seven countries whose names end with STAN are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

GOOD TRY (Freestyle): There's no theme today, because this is a freestyle, or themeless puzzle. The title is a nod to POINTS FOR EFFORT (38A: "At least you tried").

This puzzle is more than a GOOD TRY; I'd say it's an absolute success. There are so many interesting and lively answers. Congratulations to Steve Johnson making a USA TODAY debut! Additionally, congratulations to Darby Ratliff making a USA TODAY editing debut! Thank you, Steve, for this enjoyable puzzle.

For more on USA TODAY’s Crossword Puzzles

• USA TODAY’s Daily Crossword Puzzles
• Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers