Ep 6. Episode 6

In episode 6 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host tackles a variety of current events and news stories with his signature wit and humor. The episode begins with a segment on the recent controversy surrounding the use of drones in US military operations, including the unintended civilian casualties that often result from these strikes. Oliver highlights the contradictions in the government's approach to drone use, pointing out that while they claim to be minimizing harm, they also have a policy of presuming all military-aged males in a strike zone to be combatants.

The episode also delves into the issue of payday loans, a type of short-term, high-interest loan that has been criticized for trapping vulnerable borrowers in cycles of debt. Oliver breaks down the specifics of how these loans work and exposes the predatory practices of some of the industry's biggest players. He even enlists the help of comedian Sarah Silverman to create a mock ad for a payday loan company, highlighting the absurdity of the industry's promises of "quick cash."

Moving on to Canadian politics, Oliver takes aim at Toronto mayor Rob Ford, who had recently made headlines for his admission of smoking crack cocaine. Oliver looks at Ford's history of controversial statements and actions, including allegations of physical assault and drunken behavior at public events. He also makes fun of the absurdity of Ford's claim that he only smoked crack "in one of my drunken stupors."

The episode ends with a segment on the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Oliver looks at the many concerns surrounding the event, including the government's mistreatment of LGBT individuals and the potential for terrorist attacks. He also enlists the help of comedian Maria Bamford to create a series of fake travel ads for Sochi, highlighting the absurdity of promoting tourism to a place with such serious issues.

Throughout the episode, Oliver's trademark humor and comedic timing keep the tone light despite the serious subject matter. His willingness to take on controversial topics and call out those in power for their wrongdoing makes Last Week Tonight a refreshing and entertaining take on the news.