Ep 2. Episode 26

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver season 2 episode 2, titled "Episode 26," delves into a variety of relevant topics with John Oliver's characteristic wit and insight. In this episode, Oliver kicks off by examining the trend of companies that offer predatory lending services to military members and their families, despite regulations designed to protect these individuals. Oliver shines a light on the shady practices of these businesses, which often target vulnerable communities with high interest rates and hidden fees.

Moving on, Oliver tackles the topic of the death penalty in America, pointing out the many flaws in the system that has resulted in wrongful convictions, inconsistencies in sentencing, and racially biased outcomes. The episode also highlights various states' unique approaches to the death penalty, illustrating the fact that some states are more lenient than others. In typical Last Week Tonight fashion, this segment is both informative and humorous, while driving home the gravity of the issue.

With some levity, Oliver then dives into the world of nuclear weapons, which he amusingly describes as "basically fireworks, but the fireworks can destroy entire cities." He takes a closer look at the current state of nuclear weapons in the world, including the US and North Korea's tenuous relationship, and the widespread dangers and consequences of nuclear weapons. He also touches on the issue of nuclear security and the risks of unauthorized access to these weapons.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the often overlooked issue of food waste. Oliver reveals that approximately 40% of food produced in the US goes to waste, highlighting the devastating environmental and ethical effects of such waste. The episode brings to light the many causes of food waste, from restaurants throwing away perfectly good produce to the overwhelming number of expiration dates on food products.

Throughout the episode, Oliver maintains his signature blend of humor and poignant commentary, tackling topics with earnestness while also keeping viewers engaged with jokes and clever visual aids. The episode manages to cover a wide range of important issues in just over half an hour, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to stay informed and entertained.