Ep 10. April 23, 2017

On April 23, 2017, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired its 10th episode of the 4th season. The episode tackled various issues ranging from America's outdated Nuclear Triad to EPA's proposal to roll back Obama-era Clean Power Plan.

In the beginning, John Oliver tackled the issue of America's Nuclear Triad- the strategic nuclear weapons delivery system that consists of three components: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers. The episode highlighted the significance of the triad and how important it is for America's defense, but at the same time, it noted that it is outdated and expensive. Oliver also noted that a recent Pentagon report claimed that the $1.2 trillion needed to modernize the triad could be better spent elsewhere. The segment discussed the risks posed by the old systems and how they have become an easy target for hackers. The segment also looked at the political issues surrounding the Nuclear Triad.

Next, John Oliver turned his attention to the proposed roll back of the Clean Power Plan by the EPA. Oliver warned that the roll back could have severe consequences for the environment and climate change. The segment highlighted the importance of the Clean Power Plan from both environmental and economic perspectives. Oliver mentioned that the proposed changes would allow states to set their own carbon emission standards and that if every state goes weak, it could push us irreparably past a point of no return when it comes to temperature change. The segment also touched on the political forces behind EPA and how it is systematically being dismantled from within.

The episode also explored the world of gene editing, particularly the CRISPR technology. Oliver highlighted the promise of the technology and how it has the potential to be used for the betterment of humanity. The segment discussed the ethical and moral considerations that arise from the use of such a powerful technology. It also talked about the various assurances and guidelines that are in place to regulate the use of the technology for good.

Additionally, the episode included a segment on the French presidential elections. John Oliver discussed the various candidates, their platforms, and the issues surrounding the election. In typical fashion, Oliver presented his take on the elections with a comedic twist.

As usual, the episode ended with a comic sketch as John Oliver addressed the fact that he had been featured in a Turkish documentary where he was referred to as a "British spy." The segment, full of humor and puns, highlighted the absurdity of the accusations and provided a good laugh for the audience.

Overall, the 10th episode of season 4 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver covered a broad range of issues with the typical mix of humor, satire, and moral outrage. The topics were presented in a comprehensive and engaging manner, and the episode served as a reminder of how a good political satire show can not only entertain us but also inform us.