THEME: first word of a phrase is an anagram of SABER
GOOD ONES: Threat of power {& theme} SABER RATTLING
What may make the future tense? OMEN
River ends? ARS [that's R's spelled out]
Code carrier GENE [is that Gene the spy?]
Court cover-up ROBE [never thought of it that way --- just what are they covering?]
Caught at the theater SAW [not Dillinger]
Amount past due? TRE
BTW: Beethoven
honoree ELISE [she was his student and the piece was for her to study]
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun