Ep 7. Picnics

QI, short for Quite Interesting, is a British panel game show that focuses on little-known facts and trivia. Hosted by comedian Sandi Toksvig, each episode features four panelists answering questions related to a particular theme. Season 16, episode 7 is titled "Picnics" and explores all things related to outdoor eating and dining.

As always, Sandi is joined by her trusty sidekick, the ever-wise QI elf, Alan Davies. The panelists for this episode include comedians Victoria Coren Mitchell, Desiree Burch, and Rhys James, as well as actor and writer Stephen Mangan. The show starts with the panelists introducing themselves while Sandi provides some amusing anecdotes related to the theme of the episode.

The first question of the show is related to the history of picnics. Sandi explains that the word picnic originated in France, but it wasn't always associated with food. In fact, it was originally used to describe a group of people who gathered to bring their own wine to a restaurant and share it. The panelists are then asked to guess at what point in history food became associated with picnics. The answers range from the 1700s, when the British aristocracy started having elaborate outdoor gatherings, to the 1960s, when the concept of a "summer of love" spread across the Western world. The resulting discussion is both informative and hilarious.

The episode also covers a surprisingly wide range of topics related to picnics. From the etiquette of eating alfresco to the dangers of wasp stings, the panelists share their personal experiences and thoughts on various aspects of outdoor dining. They discuss proper picnic attire, including the debate over whether or not it's acceptable to wear white after Labor Day. They also delve into the cultural differences between the English and Americans when it comes to picnics, with Victoria Coren Mitchell noting that Americans tend to have much bigger and more elaborate spreads than the British.

One of the more amusing moments of the episode comes when Sandi introduces a segment called "food that sounds like furniture." The aim of the game is for the panelists to identify which of the bizarre-sounding food items she's describing are real, and which are made up. They range from "crumbly gabaret" to "zhooshed-up slosh" and the panelists struggle to keep a straight face while guessing. It's a silly but fun moment that helps keep the episode lighthearted.

As always, QI is full of surprising and quirky facts that will make viewers think twice about something they thought they knew. For example, did you know that Napoleon once hosted a picnic in the middle of a battlefield? Or that the average person in the UK has three picnics per year? And did you know that the word "antipasto" means "before the meal" and is actually an Italian term used to describe the appetizers that precede a formal dinner, rather than an outdoor feast?

In addition to the interesting facts, QI season 16 episode 7 is full of hilarious moments that will leave viewers laughing out loud. From Alan's deadpan humor to the panelists' witty one-liners, there's never a dull moment. The chemistry between Sandi and the panelists is also impressive, as they bounce off each other's jokes and insights seamlessly.

Overall, QI season 16 episode 7 is a lighthearted and entertaining look at the world of picnics. Whether you're a fan of outdoor dining or just enjoy learning new facts, this episode is sure to delight. With its combination of humor and trivia, QI continues to be one of the most engaging panel shows on television.