Ep 14. Ice

In season 10 episode 14 of Qi, titled "Ice", host Sandi Toksvig is joined by panellists Aisling Bea, Holly Walsh, Nikki Bedi, and Alan Davies for an episode all about one of the world's most fascinating and unpredictable materials - ice.

The episode begins with Sandi introducing the topic and asking the panellists what they know about ice. The conversation quickly turns to the different types of ice, including black ice and diamond ice, and the humorous ways in which people slip and fall on ice.

Sandi then presents the first Qi klaxon question, asking the panellists what happens to the temperature of ice when it melts. This seemingly simple question stumps the panellists, as they debate the correct answer.

The discussion then switches to the world's largest iceberg, which recently broke off from Antarctica. Sandi poses the question of what scientists do when they want to study an iceberg, which leads to a discussion about the use of drones and satellite imaging.

Next, the panellists examine the concept of ice in language and literature. They discuss the various idioms and sayings that involve the word "ice", such as "breaking the ice" and "cold as ice." Alan shares a story about his ice-skating mishap, which leads to a discussion about the history of ice skating and how it became a popular winter activity.

As the episode progresses, the trivia gets more complex. The panellists learn about the history of ice cream, which dates back to ancient China. The conversation then turns to the ice worms that inhabit glaciers, which leads to a debate about whether or not they should be considered a form of life.

The episode wraps up with Sandi revealing the scores and awarding the coveted winner's trophy to the panellist with the most points. Along the way, the panellists have learned a great deal about the fascinating world of ice, and have had plenty of laughs along the way.

Overall, "Ice" is a fun and informative episode of Qi that explores the many quirks and mysteries of one of the world's most fascinating materials. The panellists are engaging and witty, and Sandi does an excellent job keeping the conversation flowing. Whether you're a science buff or just looking for a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone.