Ep 20. August 12, 2018

In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver titled August 12, 2018, the host continued his signature comedic analysis of current events and issues impacting society. Oliver started the show by addressing the ongoing tension between the United States and North Korea and the lack of concrete progress in the denuclearization talks. He took a swipe at the media's sensationalism, specifically pointing out the recent headlines about North Korea allegedly increasing their nuclear weapons instead of focusing on the lack of agreement.

In the next segment, Oliver tackled the issue of workplace harassment and how non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are being used to cover-up the misconduct of powerful figures. He highlighted how NDAs have been weaponized to silence victims and protect the abuser rather than holding them accountable. Oliver highlighted how the prevalent use of NDAs can make it difficult for victims to seek justice and for others to come forward with their allegations. He also pointed out the need for transparency and the importance of making NDAs more difficult to enforce in cases of harassment and abuse.

The political climate of the United States has been a recurring theme throughout the season, and this episode was no exception. In the third segment, Oliver delved into the special election in Ohio's 12th district and the skewed representation that is harming American democracy. He highlighted the reality that in America, a minority of voters can sway an election to favor one political party or another. He pointed out that politicians should focus on key issues that can improve democracy, such as reforming gerrymandering, expanding voting rights, and reducing the power of special interest groups.

The final segment was dedicated to a return to the topic of gene editing, which Oliver had previously covered in an earlier episode. The host updated his audience on the latest developments in the field of gene editing and highlighted the potential for the technique to save lives and cure some of the deadliest diseases. He also emphasized the need for caution when experimenting with new technologies that could cause unintended and potentially grave consequences. Oliver pointed to the importance of transparency and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of gene editing, particularly in cases where the procedure would affect future generations.

As usual, Oliver's use of humor, satire, and pop culture references kept audiences entertained while also bringing to light the importance of systemic issues. The comedian provided a witty yet thoughtful take on a range of topics, from foreign policy to workplace harassment, that intersect in complex ways. His deliverance of critical issues with a comedic twist made it easier for viewers to relate to the topics presented in the show. The host's ability to blend humor with serious news-worthy topics has become a staple for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The show has become a reliable source of information and entertainment, highlighting critical issues that the mainstream media might miss or not prioritize. Fans of the show can look forward to future episodes where Oliver is likely to maintain his witty and biting commentary on crucial issues affecting society.

Overall, the most recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver was an insightful and humorous take on a range of critical topics at the forefront of national discourse. Oliver's unique blend of humor and serious analysis continue to make him stand out in late-night comedy.