Cryptic crossword No 1,972

Don't worry, the SI isn't at all *necessary* for solving, but provides a little endgame if you're interested.

Haha, marvellous penny-drop! 😆 Not that it helped me much but it did make me smile 😁 Overall construction is the star but a special mention for 26a, CotD. Tip for others: solve the bonus clue! Spoilers in reply ->

A wonderful array of clues as per, Fez. 18a, 36a, 6d and 8d but a few that I could mention. Thanks!

Thanks Fez. Even though I never heard of this theme I still found lots to like including 12a, 13a, 34a, 2d, 3d, 7d, 24d, and 25d. After two days I revealed 32a, 27d (too convoluted for my simple brain) and 30d. There were other random bits I couldn't parse but they didn't hamper my solving to any extent.

Typically clever stuff, Fez. Lots of cunning Lego assemblies, all over the place. Plenty of amusing surfaces. 1a, 13a, 16a, 38a, 3d, 9d, 25d and 29d were my faves but plenty more could have been ticked. Thanks. PM

That was great Fez, thanks. I had to reveal a few in the SE, but much to like. Favourites 1a, 16a, 23a, 38a, 2d, 3d, 15d, 20d, 28d (COTD), 34d...

Great stuff Fez, thanks. Took me a few visits and a reveal or too but that didn’t take the shine off. Some classic Fezzy constructions. I particularly liked: 1a, 18a, 23a, 35a, 17d, 24d, 25d and the outrageous 27d.

Nice puzzle, thank you. Took a while and didn't quite get there in SE, but liked 1a, 10a, 13a, 18a, 23a, 36a, 6d, 15d, 27d, 28d. Didn't see the theme, despite solving the bonus clue; ...