Extreme sentimentality (8)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
schmaltz
(Other definitions for schmaltz that I've seen before include "Excessive sentimentality in art or music" , "Excessive sentimentality in music or film" , "mush" , "Extreme or excessive sentimentality" , "mawkishness" .)