Ep 15. Geometry

In Season 7 episode 15 of QI, the panelists delve into the fascinating world of Geometry. Hosted by the ever-charismatic and witty Stephen Fry, this episode promises to be an entertaining and educational journey through the mysteries of shapes, space, and measurement.

Joining Stephen Fry are comedian Sean Lock, actress Jo Brand, stand-up comedian Rob Brydon, and expert mathematician Marcus du Sautoy. Each panelist brings their unique perspective and humor to the table as they explore the different aspects of Geometry.

The episode begins with a brief history of Geometry, dating back to ancient Greece. Marcus du Sautoy gives a detailed account of Euclid's Elements, a landmark work in Geometry that laid down a series of axioms and theorems still used today. However, as the show progresses, the panelists also learn that not all civilizations approached Geometry in the same way.

The focus then shifts to the different types of Geometry. Marcus du Sautoy explains that the traditional Euclidean Geometry is but one type, and others such as hyperbolic and non-Euclidean Geometry allow us to imagine strange and wondrous shapes that exist beyond our three-dimensional world. The panelists are fascinated by these concepts and engage in lively banter and jokes, as they try to wrap their heads around the bizarre nature of non-Euclidean Geometry.

The show also explores the practical applications of Geometry, such as map-making and architecture. Rob Brydon amuses the audience by revealing his secret passion for building models and living in houses with geometric shapes. Meanwhile, Jo Brand jokes about her own lack of spatial awareness, but also reveals the surprising versatility of circles, which are not just round shapes but also integral to everything from calculating the diameter of the Earth to designing wheels.

One of the highlights of the episode is a game show-style segment, where the panelists have to identify geometric shapes from a series of clues. Stephen Fry provides witty and often misleading hints, which keeps the panelists guessing and causes the audience to burst into laughter.

As with all QI episodes, the show doesn't just focus on one area of expertise. Throughout the episode, Stephen Fry and the panelists also discuss random but interesting facts that are tangentially related to Geometry. For example, Sean Lock reveals the origins of the phrase "square peg in a round hole" and how it was used to describe soldiers who didn't fit into the traditional army mold. Marcus du Sautoy also talks about the geometry of sound waves and how whales use this to communicate with each other.

Overall, the Geometry episode of QI is a fun-filled ride through the world of shapes, angles, and symmetry. With its trademark blend of humor and interesting facts, QI continues to be one of the most entertaining and informative shows on television. Whether you're a math whiz or a casual fan of trivia, this episode will certainly have something for you.