Expialidocious!

Connections is often maddening, but honestly one of the better puzzles they do, and once in a while the editor sneaks in something good like this.

This is clever, but I legitimately loathe this game. It's like the worst aspect of crossword puzzles (clues that end with a cutesy "?") and trying to second guess the writer at every turn.
Please note: I am a curmudgeon and I have not had coffee yet this morning.