Ep 12. Gothic

QI season 7 episode 12 is titled "Gothic" and explores the dark and mysterious era of Gothic literature and art. Host Stephen Fry is joined by panelists including Ross Noble, Sue Perkins, Matt Lucas, and Alan Davies as they delve into the macabre world of writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, and artists like Goya and Blake.

The episode begins with a discussion of the origins of Gothic fiction, which emerged from the Romantic movement in the late 18th century. The panelists consider the characteristics of Gothic literature, such as haunted castles, supernatural beings, and psychological horror, and debate whether modern horror films can be considered Gothic.

Next, Fry introduces the panelists to some lesser-known Gothic authors, including Ann Radcliffe, who wrote popular novels like The Mysteries of Udolpho in the late 1700s. The panelists learn about Radcliffe's influence on later writers like Jane Austen, and share their own experiences reading Gothic fiction.

The episode then takes a turn towards Gothic art, with a discussion of artists like Francisco de Goya and William Blake. The panelists explore the dark and fantastical imagery in Goya's Black Paintings, and consider the influence of Gothic art on modern culture, from Tim Burton's films to heavy metal music.

Along the way, the panelists encounter many surprising facts about the Gothic era, such as the fact that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the age of 18, and that Edgar Allan Poe was expelled from West Point for not attending classes. They also learn about the strange death of the Gothic writer Horace Walpole, who was so obsessed with Gothic architecture that he built his own Gothic castle, Strawberry Hill, and died there.

Throughout the episode, the panelists provide their usual mix of wit and humor, with Ross Noble offering off-the-wall observations and Sue Perkins providing sharp insights. Matt Lucas brings a playful energy to the show, while Alan Davies provides a steady stream of amusing anecdotes and quirky observations.

As always, Stephen Fry serves as an erudite and entertaining host, weaving together the disparate threads of the episode with his characteristic charm and intelligence. By the end of the show, the panelists and viewers alike will have gained a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex history of Gothic literature and art, and perhaps even a newfound love for all things dark and mysterious.