Ep 4. Queasy Quacks

In season 18, episode 4 of QI titled "Queasy Quacks," host Sandi Toksvig is joined by regular panelists Alan Davies, Holly Walsh, Sara Pascoe, and newcomer Simon Evans. The episode focuses on the theme of medicine and explores the strange and sometimes downright bizarre practices of the past and present.

As always, the show kicks off with a quick quiz to determine who will get the first crack at answering questions. But before long, the panelists find themselves discussing everything from the medicinal properties of spider webs to the truth about the supposed healing powers of goat glands.

Throughout the episode, the panelists are confronted with a range of unusual facts about medical practices from around the world. They learn, for example, about the curative properties of urine in ancient Egypt and about the belief in some cultures that wearing underpants made of pigeon dung can cure a variety of ailments.

Despite the often stomach-churning subject matter, the panelists manage to keep their sense of humor throughout. There are plenty of laughs as they grapple with questions like whether eating marmalade can cure hay fever and whether chewing coca leaves can help combat altitude sickness.

One of the highlights of the episode is a round devoted to medical myths. The panelists are presented with a long list of supposed cures and asked to determine which ones are true and which are false. Some of the answers are surprising, including the revelation that drinking milk can actually worsen a stomach ache and that cracking your knuckles doesn't actually cause arthritis (despite what your mother may have told you).

As always, there are plenty of opportunities for the panelists to show off their quick wit and intelligence. Alan Davies is as delightfully bumbling as ever, while Holly Walsh and Sara Pascoe add plenty of clever insights and witty one-liners to the mix. Newcomer Simon Evans proves to be a worthy addition to the team, with his dry humor and keen intellect adding a fresh perspective to the discussion.

Overall, "Queasy Quacks" is another entertaining and informative episode of QI. It's a reminder that, when it comes to medicine, truth is often stranger than fiction. The show manages to strike a perfect balance between humor and education, leaving viewers with plenty of fascinating tidbits to share at their next dinner party.