Ep 1. Feb 18, 2018

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is an American late-night talk and news satire show, hosted by the British comedian John Oliver. Returning for its fifth season, the first episode aired on February 18, 2018, and covered various topics such as the Presidential elections in Russia, Donald Trump's plan to arm teachers to prevent school shootings, the issue of opioid addiction in the United States, and the corruption scandals surrounding Jared Kushner.

The episode begins with John Oliver discussing the recent Presidential elections in Russia and its controversial winner Vladimir Putin. Oliver attempts to break down the complex and murky political landscape of Russia for his viewers, while also highlighting the rampant corruption, propaganda and human rights violations that have been a hallmark of Putin's regime.

Next, the show turns its attention towards the issue of school shootings in the United States, and the recent proposal by President Donald Trump to arm certain teachers with firearms to prevent future tragedies. Oliver examines the practicality and effectiveness of this proposal, while also touching on the larger societal issues that contribute to gun violence such as mental health, the NRA's lobbying power, and the country's overall gun culture.

Following this, Last Week Tonight transitions to the subject of opioid addiction, which has become a national epidemic in the United States. Oliver delves into the various factors behind this crisis, including the role played by pharmaceutical companies in aggressively marketing and distributing painkillers like OxyContin. Moreover, Oliver highlights the human toll of addiction and the social stigma that often comes with it, emphasizing the need for effective treatment and prevention measures.

Finally, the show wraps up with a segment on Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump and one of his closest advisors. Oliver discusses Kushner's significant business conflicts of interest, his questionable financial dealings, and his apparent lack of experience and expertise in policy matters. The segment ultimately paints a damning picture of Kushner's various personal and professional entanglements, suggesting that he may be a liability for the administration in the long run.

In summary, the first episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver's fifth season is a wide-ranging, informative, and often humorous exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. With his signature wit and insightful commentary, Oliver manages to tackle complex, politically charged topics in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether examining the dark side of Russian politics or the devastating impact of opioid addiction, Last Week Tonight has once again proven itself to be an essential and engaging voice in today's media landscape.