Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 4 Episode 17 June 25, 2017

In season 4 episode 17 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which originally aired on June 25, 2017, the British comedian tackles a range of topics from healthcare to gerrymandering.

The episode kicks off with a monologue on the Republican Party's much-debated replacement for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Oliver highlights the flaws and consequences of the proposed healthcare legislation, including the slashing of Medicaid funding and tax cuts for the rich. He also points out the hypocrisy of Republican lawmakers who criticized the Affordable Care Act but are pushing for a replacement that has similar issues.

The next segment of the episode dives into the issue of gerrymandering, the practice of manipulating district boundaries to give one political party an advantage in elections. Oliver explains how gerrymandering has been used as a tool by both Republicans and Democrats to maintain their power, and how this practice ultimately undermines democracy.

In a lighter segment, Last Week Tonight examines the delightful trend of "trial by combat" requests in legal disputes. Oliver notes the historical origins of this practice and humorously evaluates its efficacy as an alternative to traditional legal proceedings.

The episode then takes a darker turn as Oliver discusses the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, where a failing economy and political turmoil have plunged the country into chaos. Oliver interviews a Venezuelan citizen to gain insight into the situation on the ground and dispels some common misconceptions about the crisis.

The final segment of the episode is devoted to the issues surrounding the regulation of the coal industry in the United States. Oliver interviews a coal industry representative to get his perspective on the debate, and also highlights the disastrous public health and environmental consequences of unregulated coal mining.

Throughout the episode, John Oliver uses his signature blend of humor and insightful commentary to explore complex issues. The content is informative without being dry, and overall the episode is a strong example of the show's ability to tackle both serious and lighthearted topics.