THEME:   first word of phrase can be preceded by HAND to make a separate two-word phrase   
GOOD ONES:     In advance {& theme}   BEFORE HAND    
Lawless role   XENA [Lucy Lawless the actress]   
Mercury or Saturn   CAR [used but good (so to speak)]   
South end?   ERN [used but good (ditto)]   
Bacon products   ESSAYS [Francis Bacon the writer; among the early British literati, almost as well known as Monopoly dollars]      
BTW:   OST is not used here.      
Yellow Monopoly bills   TENS [amazing how generations of Americans know this]         
RATING:    
 
 
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun