[Serge]

The question here is "What do the 3 words 'the', 'an' and 'director' have in common?"

I don't know… could be many things. For instance, along the line taken by Mr. Weston above, they all appear to be the English language words, and they all are in lowercase, and none of them are verbs or adjectives, etc… But, I must say, with all this crazy anticipation build-up, I'd be very disappointed if the actual answer didn't blow my socks off.

 

[Serge]

A letter a?

But could you please explain how that entry by H. was a breakthrough question? Are you sure you didn't read too much into it?

 

[Serge]

It was the first time the necessary leap beyond the boundaries of the word was made.

Right...

Anyhow, you didn't comment on my answer. Trying to make sense out of that now...

 

[Serge]

My guess is...the Tank Engine Thomas books. I'm not sure these are known outside UK, but they feature anthropomorphised steam engines with cheerful faces. There are engines called Thomas and Edward. Maybe there is also a Michael...it was a long time ago.

That's a good one. I concur.

 

[Serge]

Reverse alphabet order of the letters that they start and end with?