Ep 8. Qanimals

In the 8th episode of the 18th season of QI, the theme is Qanimals - a whimsical exploration of the animal kingdom. Host Sandi Toksvig is joined by regular panelist Alan Davies as well as comedians James Acaster, Phil Wang, and Bridget Christie.

The episode begins with a discussion of the intelligence of dolphins, which leads into a larger conversation about animal intelligence and the changing understanding of what it means to be "smart". The panelists discuss various examples of animals exhibiting extraordinary abilities, from tool use to problem-solving skills.

The next segment focuses on animal communication, with the panelists delving into the intricate and varied ways that animals communicate with each other. They discuss everything from the songs of birds to the pheromones of ants, with Sandi pointing out the fascinating fact that the antennas on ants' heads are actually their noses.

As the episode progresses, the topics become more and more surreal. The panelists discuss the weirdest animals they can think of, from the duck-billed platypus to the aye-aye, a strange lemur with enormous, bulging eyes. They also learn some surprising facts about animals they thought they knew; for example, the fact that flamingos are not naturally pink, but instead turn pink from the algae they consume.

In one particularly memorable segment, the panelists are presented with various animal sounds and asked to identify them. They gamely attempt to identify the noises, with mixed success; Bridget, for example, is quite confident that she can identify the sound of a seal - until she hears the actual recording and realizes how wrong she was.

Throughout the episode, the panelists are also treated to a series of fascinating animal facts, presented in the form of "QI elves" - the show's behind-the-scenes team who are known for their encyclopedic knowledge of random trivia. These "elves" offer up a seemingly endless array of animal-themed facts, from the surprising (did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance?) to the downright bizarre (did you know that moose can swim underwater for up to 30 seconds?).

As always, the panelists' banter and good-natured ribbing provide much of the episode's entertainment value. James Acaster proves a particularly funny addition to the group, with his quirky, off-beat sense of humor and tendency to go off on tangents. Meanwhile, Alan Davies serves as the show's resident skeptic, questioning some of the more outlandish animal facts presented to him.

Overall, Qanimals is a fun-filled episode that will entertain and educate viewers with its mix of fascinating animal facts, quirky humor, and witty banter. Whether you're an animal lover or just looking for an hour of lighthearted entertainment, this episode is sure to delight and surprise.