Ep 2. Secrets, Spies and Sleuths

Secrets, Spies and Sleuths is the second episode of season 20 of the popular British television show QI. In this episode, host Sandi Toksvig is joined by regular panelist Alan Davies and guests Aisling Bea, Lee Mack and actor/historian David Mitchell to explore the world of espionage and intelligence gathering.

The show starts with Sandi discussing the ways spies have used invisible ink throughout history, including during the American Revolutionary War. The panelists are challenged to try and decipher messages written in invisible ink and soon discover the many different methods used by spies to conceal their messages.

Sandi then moves on to discuss the intriguing story of Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was executed for spying for Germany during World War I. The panelists debate whether or not Mata Hari was truly a spy or simply a victim of the political circumstances of the time.

Moving on from history, the panelists discuss current forms of intelligence gathering, including the use of drones and satellite technology. They consider the ethical implications of using drones for surveillance purposes and debate whether or not there should be greater regulation surrounding their use.

In another segment, the panelists explore the world of cryptography and try to solve some of the most famous codes and ciphers in history, including the famous Enigma machine used by Nazi Germany during World War II.

As the show comes to a close, Sandi challenges the panelists to identify some of the most famous fictional detectives in literature and television. This leads to a hilarious discussion as the panelists debate the merits of Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Inspector Morse.

Overall, this episode of QI provides fascinating insights into the world of intelligence gathering, espionage, and cryptography. The panelists are engaging and entertaining, providing humorous commentary while still managing to dive deep into the topics at hand. Fans of QI will not be disappointed by this entertaining and informative episode.