Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 21 Episode 45

In episode 45 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the comedian and political commentator tackles several hot-button issues.

First up, Oliver discusses the widespread use of psychics and fortune tellers, noting how many people are taken advantage of by these charlatans who make exaggerated and often untrue claims about their abilities. Oliver cites several examples of psychic fraud, including one psychic who claimed to communicate with a client's deceased daughter, only to have that client later discover that the psychic had researched the daughter's death online. Oliver also explores the ways in which psychics are able to evade prosecution, often by claiming to offer "entertainment" rather than genuine psychic services.

Next, Oliver turns his attention to the issue of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which mandate specific prison sentences for certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances or the judge's discretion. Oliver argues that these laws have contributed to the United States' mass incarceration problem, leading to overcrowding in prisons and disproportionate punishment for nonviolent offenses. He also points out that these laws have a particularly devastating impact on people of color, who are more likely to be targeted by law enforcement and face harsher sentences.

Oliver then shifts gears to talk about the ongoing conflict in Yemen. He explains how the war has been raging for years with devastating consequences for the Yemeni people, who are facing widespread starvation, disease, and displacement. Oliver also delves into the complex web of alliances and interests that have fueled the conflict, including the involvement of several major world powers. He concludes by arguing that the United States, which has provided military support to the Saudi-led coalition waging war in Yemen, has a moral responsibility to help end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Finally, in a lighter segment to close the show, Oliver takes aim at the absurdity of "zero tolerance" policies in schools. He cites several examples of children who have been punished, even suspended or expelled, for harmless behavior like bringing a toy gun to school or sharing a piece of birthday cake. Oliver argues that these policies, which often prioritize punishment over understanding, can do more harm than good and create a culture of fear and mistrust in schools.

Overall, episode 45 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver offers a mix of serious and lighthearted content, tackling weighty political and social issues while still finding time for Oliver's trademark wit and humor. Whether he's exposing the fraud of psychics or calling out the injustices of mandatory minimum sentencing, Oliver's insights and commentary are sure to leave viewers both informed and entertained.