Ep 10. Making a Meal of It

QI is a British TV show that stands for Quite Interesting. It’s a comedy panel game that is hosted by Stephen Fry (Seasons 1-13) and then by Sandi Toksvig (Seasons 14-). Each episode features a panel of four guests who are given points for their answers to questions that are usually bizarre and quirky in nature. The show airs on BBC Two and is renowned for its witticisms, humor, and unique format.

Season 13 Episode 10 is titled “Making a Meal of It”. The panel guests on this particular episode include the comedians Josh Widdicombe, Phill Jupitus, and Sara Pascoe. The theme of the episode is centered around food and dining, and the questions posed revolve around the science, history, and culture of food.

The episode starts off by discussing the origins of the phrase “pulling up stakes” which refers to packing up and moving. The term has its roots in the pioneer days of the American West where settlers would have to pull up the wooden stakes that marked their land boundaries before moving on. The discussion then moves onto food-related topics, and the panelists are asked about the history of fish and chips. Sara Pascoe entertainingly recounts a historical theory that fish and chips were invented by Jewish refugees who arrived in Britain in the 19th century.

Another question posed on the show is what is the biological reason behind why some people have a sweet tooth while others have a preference for savory flavors. Josh Widdicombe amusingly offers his own theory, suggesting that people who prefer savory flavors may have been raised by parents who didn't love them. The answer is something completely different, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

The panel is then asked a question that will make them cringe: what is the rough percentage of insects that are allowed in food products? The answer is surprising, and one that no one could have guessed. It’s a fascinating discussion that delves into the various regulations and quality control measures in the food industry.

As is the norm with QI’s format, the questions meander along various tangents, with the panel often veering off into offbeat directions before ultimately returning to the original topic. For instance, a question about catering for large crowds leads to a discussion about Glastonbury Festival and how they deal with feeding the hordes of festival-goers. The panel jokes around about the unsavory aspects of festival food, but also touch upon the ingenious ways that the catering staff have found to feed so many people.

Another topic explored in this episode is the production process of certain foods. The panel is asked about how and why cheese was invented, and how different types of cheese are produced. Phill Jupitus shares his love for stinky cheese, while Stephen Fry explains the reason why certain cheeses are flavored with mould.

Throughout the episode, Stephen Fry (the show’s first host) expertly navigates the discussion, imparting his vast knowledge on a range of obscure subjects. His humor is infectious, and his rapport with the panel is evident as they riff off each other’s jokes and comebacks.

Overall, the Making a Meal of It episode is entertaining and educational. The eclectic mix of topics ensures that the show never gets dull, with each question providing an opportunity for the panel to showcase their wit and humor. The overall theme of food and dining lends itself well to the quirky nature of QI, making for a perfectly enjoyable episode that will satisfy the viewers’ intellectual and comedic appetites.