Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 19 Episode 43

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a satirical news program on HBO hosted by John Oliver. In the show, Oliver delivers a topical monologue on the week’s news, in addition to presenting in-depth segments on various political and social issues.

Season 2, Episode 19 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is titled "Episode 43." In this episode, Oliver discusses a variety of topics, including police militarization, the extradition of Roman Polanski, and the philanthropy of wealthy individuals.

The episode begins with Oliver discussing the ongoing protests in Ferguson, Missouri, which were sparked by the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson. Oliver argues that the militarization of police forces across the country is contributing to the excessive use of force by officers. He cites the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters as evidence of the issue. Oliver also criticizes the use of military equipment, such as armored vehicles, by police departments, suggesting that it creates an "us vs. them" mentality between law enforcement and civilians.

Oliver then transitions to a discussion of the controversial extradition of film director Roman Polanski. Polanski, who pleaded guilty to the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1977, has been living in Europe for decades to avoid extradition to the United States. Oliver argues that Polanski should be extradited to face justice for his crime, citing the numerous victims of sexual abuse who never receive justice for their experiences.

The next segment of the episode focuses on the philanthropy of wealthy individuals, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Mark Zuckerberg. Oliver notes that while these individuals have donated large sums of money to charity, their donations are often directed towards causes that do not address structural inequalities in society. He argues that true philanthropy requires more than just giving money, and that wealthy individuals should be working towards creating systemic changes to address inequality.

In the final segment of the episode, Oliver examines the issue of jury selection bias. He notes that while the legal system is supposed to be based on the principle of impartiality, numerous studies have shown that potential jurors are often biased based on factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Oliver argues that the system for selecting jurors needs to be reformed to reduce bias and ensure a fair trial for all defendants.

Overall, Season 2, Episode 19 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a thought-provoking and insightful examination of some of the most pressing issues facing society today. Oliver’s unique brand of humor and insightful commentary make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in politics, social justice, and current events.