| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| POP | Apt starter for the first word of the longest answers |
| HARD | Word that can precede the first word of the six longest puzzle answers |
| RULE | Govern, or word that can follow the first word of the four longest puzzle answers |
| KIDFRIENDLY | Suitable for the whole family, or an apt description of the first words of the answers to the starred clues |
| CASTINGCALL | Process for selecting theatrical performers, and a hint to the first word of the answers to starred clues |
| BRIDGE | Apt word to substitute for each of four black squares to make sense of the across answers on either side of them |
