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Definitely a "game of two halves".

The top half was the usual overload of anagrams (I really hope the setter's fixation with anagrams ends soon, it's becoming so tiresome).

The bottom half was more like a "normal" cryptic crossword and, dare I say it, more like the Everyman of old.

My COD is 16d, which I thought was very cleverly compiled.

Good morning, Brendan. Another vote from me for less anagrams, please.

Hi Jo, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I really don't like criticising clues or setters but, come on, enough's enough.

:-)

I’m less troubled by the anagrams compared to instances of illogical, highly esoteric or unfair parsing!

This week was fine, some decently clever clues I thought.

I agree with the " game of two halves Brian ". Got stumped half way and then the floodgates opened If I can mix my terms. Not sure I have 14d. R-C-E- M-N . Can get the words .
But do not understand the clue ref to 20. Can anybody help?

Since 20d refers to a spacecraft returning to atmosphere, only one obvious answer, which perhaps also means a clever person or scientist, seems to fit ‘number one’ here for 14d.

All your crossing letters are correct too.

Got it..... thanks Reginald.

Hmmm...Having guessed the answer from the Crossers and context I wondered if the definition referred to the name of a well-known song but Google tells me it only reached No.2 I the UK charts, not No.1...