Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 1 Episode 21 Episode 21

In the 21st episode of the first season of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host delves into the issue of torture and the debate surrounding its effectiveness and ethical implications.

Oliver begins by addressing the Senate Intelligence Committee's report on the CIA's use of enhanced interrogation techniques, known as torture, in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. He asserts that the report is important because it provides evidence that these techniques were not only ineffective but also contributed to the spread of anti-American sentiment and the recruitment of terrorists.

Oliver then goes on to examine the argument made by some that torture is justifiable in certain situations, such as the ticking time bomb scenario. He reveals that this scenario is quite rare and that there is little evidence to suggest that torture would actually be effective in eliciting accurate information. He also points out that allowing torture opens the door for governments to abuse their power and for innocent people to be subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment.

The host also discusses the cultural impact of torture in popular media, particularly in the TV show 24. He argues that the portrayal of torture as a necessary and effective means of obtaining information contributed to the normalization of the practice and made it more difficult for people to recognize its inherent flaws.

Oliver concludes the episode by addressing the issue of accountability. He highlights the fact that those responsible for implementing and authorizing torture have not faced any legal consequences and that the US government has failed to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. He emphasizes the importance of holding these individuals accountable and working towards a future free from torture.

Overall, the 21st episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver provides a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of the controversial issue of torture. It highlights the dangers of justifying torture in certain situations, the impact of media on public perception of torture, and the need for accountability in addressing past abuses.