Humo(u)r is subjective by its very nature, while mortality in nature isn't.

I have used the British spelling to kick off this piece not just to pay my hearty tribute to a sharp wit, Sean Lock, but also appreciate the show QI.

The reason for this is that I got to experience Sean Lock's sarcastic views about Life, the Universe & Everything through the pun-filled lens of QI.

I started with humo(u)r's inherent quality of subjectivity, and I cannot honestly say that I always enjoyed Sean's sardonic comments and snark.

For the most part, he was quite hilarious, and with informed hindsight, perhaps his oft-twisted remarks germinated in his impending demise. I can only conjecture in a specific & subjective way, that that was the case.

I do not know when he was diagnosed, when he got his final countdown (without cats), or whether he knew the tragedy that lay in store in his future. Neither will I go to Wikipedia and delve into that. Let's pivot.

Here, in hono(u)r of Sean's glittering presence on many episodes of QI, are my purely emotional (and hence, quite irrational) thoughts about other panelists who have figured quite consistently on the hit BBC show.

Accompanying the inimitable Stephen Fry throughout the illuminating alphabet-by-alphabet voyage is Alan Davies, still going on very strong.

He is always happy (especially as the QI series progressed) to 'take one for the team' and give the 'answer' that invites the blaring forfeit klaxon.

Following in Stephen big footsteps is Sandi Toksvig, the new host and quizmaster. Her knowledge and diverse domains of interest rival Fry's!

David Mitchell is almost always a teacher's pet, erudite yet utterly cross.

Rich Hall comes close to being my favo(u)rite - as laconic as a banjo... yeah, he does the antagonized American bit with utmost aplomb. Yap!

Phill Jupitus, you big ball of cotton candy, gimme a bear hug! His OTT acts (grog blossoms) and pulling Stephen's leg endear him to my mind.

Bill Bailey and his musical talents are welcome bonuses for most of the episodes in which he appears, as is his otherworldly wisdom, shared in the guise of the ramblings of the Dalai Lama-Farmah / the Rural Buddha.

Jo Brand brings her vivacious personality & vicious wit to play when on!

An hono(u)rable mention goes to Hugh Laurie, who is a gibbering idiot unless a script is put in front of him, for appearing in the first episode.

That episode highlight reminds me of John Sessions, who was also quite well-informed and also died suddenly - alas, a loss to us who dig class.

Danny Baker, John's good friend, is a jovial man to add to any quiz panel.

Ronni Ancona is a charm offensive with impressions of the Queen etc.

I don't like Lee Mack or Johnny Vegas; it's a free country, innit (I think)?

Barry Humphries, Dadaist extraordinaire, made an awesomax cameo.

Jonathan Ross impressed (me) with his knowledge of comic-book lore.

The list threatens to go on too long, so I shall call it a day at this point, and add more about noteworthy QI panelists as I re-watch more of it.

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