Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 16 Episode 40

In Episode 40 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the comedian and host tackles various topics in his usual humorous and informative fashion.

The episode starts off with Oliver providing a brief update on the situation in Syria, particularly highlighting the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the ongoing conflict. He also gives an overview on the disagreements between Russia and the United States on how to handle the situation, as well as the recent military strikes carried out by the US.

Moving on, the show dives into the topic of the death penalty, specifically focusing on the use of lethal injection. Oliver explores the various issues surrounding the practice, including the distressing process that the inmates have to go through before their execution, as well as the potential for errors in the administration of the lethal injection drugs. He also highlights the fact that, despite the use of lethal injection being widely accepted as a more humane method of execution than other methods, there is still significant debate around whether it constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

The topic then shifts to the issue of special districts in the United States. These are governmental entities that are created to provide specific services to a particular area, such as water or sanitation. However, Oliver points out that they often operate with little to no oversight and can be prone to corruption and mismanagement. He also notes that special districts can be difficult to dissolve once they've been created, leading to a situation where taxpayers are stuck paying for services they may not even need or use.

The next segment of the show focuses on the recent Panama Papers scandal, where a leak of documents exposed the offshore accounts and dubious financial dealings of various high-profile individuals and organizations. Oliver provides a clear and concise explanation of the situation, breaking down the main players involved and the potential implications of the leak. He also takes the opportunity to criticize the media's lack of coverage of the story, and the general public's acceptance of corrupt practices from the wealthy and powerful.

The final segment of Episode 40 tackles the issue of LGBT rights and discrimination in the United States. Oliver highlights a number of recent instances of anti-LGBT discrimination, including a bill in North Carolina that eliminates anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people. He also provides some heartening news, such as the fact that same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. However, he emphasizes that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving full equality and acceptance for LGBT individuals.

Overall, Episode 40 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of a variety of important issues. As always, Oliver's humor and wit help to make the show both entertaining and informative, while his commitment to tackling difficult and controversial topics ensures that viewers are left with a lot to think about.