Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 1 Episode 14 Episode 14

John Oliver takes a comedic deep dive into the news of the week on Last Week Tonight. In Episode 14, he covers a variety of topics including the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the death penalty in the United States, and the growing problem of student debt.

Oliver begins the episode by discussing the situation in Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have been causing chaos in the eastern part of the country. He notes that many Americans seem unaware of the severity of the situation, and argues that the media is partly to blame for not providing enough coverage. Oliver also criticizes Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggressive actions in Ukraine, and suggests that the United States needs to step up its response.

Next, Oliver turns to the death penalty, which he describes as a "barbaric" practice that is still legal in many parts of the United States. He notes that the use of the death penalty has been declining in recent years, but argues that it should be abolished altogether. He points out that there have been numerous cases of people being wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, and that the death penalty does not actually deter crime.

Oliver then tackles the issue of student debt, which he calls a "ticking time bomb" for the American economy. He notes that student debt now exceeds credit card debt in the United States, and argues that this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Oliver points out that the cost of higher education has been skyrocketing in recent years, and that many graduates are struggling to find well-paying jobs to pay off their debt.

In addition to these topics, Oliver also covers several lighter stories in Episode 14. He takes a look at a bizarre incident in which a woman attacked a McDonald's employee for not giving her enough ketchup, and he offers a hilarious tribute to the phrase "budgie smugglers" (which is Australian slang for tight-fitting men's swimwear).

Throughout the episode, Oliver's humor and wit are on full display, as he tackles serious topics with a lighthearted touch. He uses a combination of news clips, satire, and original reporting to provide a fresh perspective on the week's events.

By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a clear sense of the major issues facing the world today, as well as a few laughs to help lighten the mood. With his incisive commentary and irreverent style, John Oliver has established himself as one of the most unique and entertaining voices in late night television.