Ep 5. Invertebrates

In the fifth episode of the 10th season of Qi, titled "Invertebrates," host Sandi Toksvig and her team of panelists explore the world of spineless creatures. The episode brings together four panelists, including British actress and comedian Aisling Bea, comedian Jason Manford, actress and writer Victoria Coren Mitchell, and the Qi veteran Alan Davies.

The episode delves into the topic of invertebrates, discussing their various forms, functions, and peculiarities. The panelists look at the different creatures such as octopuses, squids, spiders, and snails, and share their insights and thoughts on these peculiar, yet fascinating organisms.

The episode is structured around several rounds of questions, where the panelists are tested on their knowledge of invertebrates, their habitats, behaviors, and survival techniques. The rounds feature quirky and obscure information, as is typical of Qi, and provide ample opportunity for the panelists to showcase their wit, humor, and intelligence.

Throughout the episode, the team discusses the ingenuity of invertebrates and their unique abilities. For instance, they look at the complex systems of communication and signaling that some squid species employ to stay in contact with each other, even when separated by large distances. The panelists also consider the intelligence of some of the most intelligent invertebrates like squids and octopuses and the way these creatures communicate, solve problems, and display a range of emotions.

Moreover, the episode uncovers the weird and wonderful world of invertebrate reproduction. The panelists explore the various mating strategies employed by these spineless creatures, including fertilization, copulation, and asexual reproduction. Additionally, the panelists discuss the unusual mating rituals that some invertebrates employ, such as the Australian redback spider, whose males sometimes end up as the female's dinner after mating.

Overall, the episode is full of interesting insights, quirky anecdotes, and fascinating facts about the world of invertebrates. As always, the panelists provide humorous commentary throughout, making the episode entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Fans of Qi will enjoy this episode's mix of science and comedy, which makes it a great watch.