Ep 11. Kinky

The popular British comedy panel show Qi, season 12 episode 11, is titled "Kinky." Hosted by the affable Sandi Toksvig, this episode features guests Ross Noble, Cariad Lloyd, Rhys James, and of course, resident Qi elf Alan Davies.

As with all Qi episodes, the guests are asked to provide answers to obscure, tangential, and often borderline surreal questions, with points awarded based on the veracity and humor of the responses. This theme of the episode is the quirky and unexpected, with a particular emphasis on the erotic.

The topics discussed reflect this, with questions touching on a range of subjects from the history of sex toys, to the science of tickling, to the ancient art of Japanese rope bondage. Expert guest appearances include a prominent sex worker rights activist who sheds light on the complexities of the industry, and a researcher into Japanese studies who discusses the significance of rope bondage in Japanese culture.

The discussion takes on a tone that is equal parts ribald and erudite, with the guests frequently breaking into fits of laughter as they navigate the thorny territory of the forbidden and taboo. While the subject matter of the episode may be risque, it is treated with respect and a healthy dose of good humor, making the overall effect both titillating and intellectually stimulating.

As always, the guests are encouraged to do their best to earn points, but with the Qi scoring system being famously arbitrary and capricious, the results of the episode are anyone's guess. But regardless of the outcome, the audience is certain to leave the show with a newfound appreciation for the strange and surprising in the world around them.