Crossword Genius

Counted 500th episode then finished (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

depended

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'counted 500th episode' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'then finished' is the wordplay.
'then' becomes 'dep' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'finished' becomes 'ended' ('end' can be a synonym of 'finish').
'dep'+'ended'='DEPENDED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for depended that I've seen before include "Was conditional" , "Rested" , "Relied or hung on" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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