Ep 1. February 12, 2017

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a satirical news show that airs every Sunday on HBO. Season 4 episode 1, which aired on February 12th, 2017, covered a range of topics, including the Trump administration, the opioid crisis, and the Supreme Court.

The episode began with a humorous and scathing critique of President Trump's first four weeks in office, focusing on his numerous executive orders, Twitter rants, and controversial cabinet picks. Oliver pulled no punches, ripping into the administration for its lack of transparency, its attacks on the media, and its apparent disregard for ethical standards.

The second segment of the show focused on the opioid crisis in America, which has been responsible for a surge in addiction and overdose deaths in recent years. Oliver used his trademark wit and sarcasm to illustrate how the pharmaceutical industry had played a major role in fueling the crisis, through aggressive marketing of opioid painkillers and lobbying efforts to block regulations that might have curbed their misuse.

Throughout the episode, Oliver highlighted the human cost of the opioid epidemic, sharing stories of people who had been personally affected by addiction and overdose. He also called on viewers to support organizations that are working to combat the epidemic, and urged politicians to take meaningful action to address the crisis.

The final segment of the episode tackled the looming vacancy on the Supreme Court, which had been left open after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Oliver explained the importance of the Court, and the key issues that are likely to come before it in the coming years, including abortion rights, voting rights, campaign finance, and environmental regulation.

Oliver also pointed out how the Senate's refusal to confirm President Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, had set a dangerous precedent, and warned that the current administration was likely to nominate someone who would shift the Court even further to the right. He encouraged viewers to stay informed about the nomination process and to speak out about the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary.

Overall, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver season 4 episode 1 was a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that tackled some of the biggest issues facing America today. With his characteristic blend of humor and insight, Oliver shed light on topics that might otherwise go unnoticed, and encouraged viewers to get involved in shaping the future of their country.