Ep 25. Episode 84

In Episode 84 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the comedian and political commentator tackles some of the most pressing issues facing the United States. The show opens with a segment on the ongoing debate over net neutrality, a topic that has been a hot-button issue for years. Oliver breaks down the key players in the net neutrality debate and explains why it is so critical to our democracy.

From there, the focus shifts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its recent dismantling under the Trump administration. Oliver explains how the Trump administration's policies are putting the environment at risk, and argues that the EPA is an essential agency that should not be undermined by politicians. He also highlights some of the most egregious actions taken by the administration, including the recent repeal of the Clean Power Plan.

The show then turns to a topic that has been getting a lot of attention lately: police brutality and the use of excessive force by law enforcement. Oliver takes a closer look at the issue and explores some of the root causes of police violence, including institutional racism and a lack of training. He also examines some of the reforms that have been proposed to address the problem, such as mandatory body cameras for police officers and independent investigations into cases of police brutality.

Later in the episode, Oliver takes on the topic of corporate consolidation and the monopolistic practices of large corporations. He explains how companies like Amazon and Walmart are using their market power to put smaller businesses out of business, and argues that this is a threat to both competition and democracy. He also looks at some of the consequences of consolidation, such as the decline of rural communities and the loss of jobs.

Finally, the episode concludes with a segment on the decline of local journalism and the importance of a free press. Oliver argues that local journalism is essential to democracy, as it provides the public with the information they need to make informed decisions and hold politicians accountable. However, he also points out that the rise of social media and other online platforms has made it harder for local news outlets to make money, and as a result, many are struggling to stay afloat. He advocates for increased support for local journalism, and reminds viewers that the fight for a free press is ongoing.

Overall, Episode 84 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing the country. Oliver's trademark style of humor and commentary is on full display, as he tackles each topic with wit and intelligence. Whether you agree with his perspective or not, there's no denying that Oliver is one of the most important voices in contemporary political commentary, and this episode is no exception.