Ep 5. J-Places

In the fifth episode of season 11 of Qi, entitled J-Places, host Sandi Toksvig and her panel of guests explore the curious world of places that start with the letter J. Comedian Johnny Vegas, actor Josh Widdicombe, writer Cally Beaton, and scientist Brian Cox join Toksvig to answer some truly bizarre questions about geography, history, and pop culture.

The episode kicks off with a difficult question about the location of the world's oldest tree. The panelists are given a number of clues to help them narrow down the possibilities, including references to ancient mythology and the age of the earth itself. Vega provides some entertaining guesses, while Cox impresses the audience with his scientific knowledge. However, it's Beaton who ultimately comes up with the correct answer, surprising even Toksvig with her unexpected expertise.

From there, the panel moves on to explore various J-places around the world, including a remote Japanese island inhabited solely by rabbits and a quirky Scottish village with a knack for creative advertising. Along the way, they discuss the origins of place names, the impact of colonialism on local cultures, and the quirks of British humor.

One memorable segment focuses on the bizarre sport of ferret legging, which originated in Yorkshire in the late 19th century. The panel is tasked with guessing the rules of the game, which involves stuffing live ferrets down one's pants and seeing who can endure the bites and scratches for the longest time. The resulting discussion is both hilarious and thought-provoking, touching on issues of animal cruelty, gender roles, and national identity.

Another highlight of the episode is the panel's analysis of the infamous John Lewis Christmas advert, which has become an annual internet sensation in the UK. The panelists debate the implications of the ad's melancholy tone, its nods to popular culture, and its underlying message about the meaning of Christmas. As always, their insights are both witty and insightful, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on a beloved holiday tradition.

Overall, J-Places is a delightful and informative episode of Qi, showcasing the wit and wisdom of some of Britain's most talented comedians and thinkers. Whether exploring obscure geography, bizarre cultural customs, or timeless philosophical questions, the panel proves that there's always something new to discover about the world we live in.