Ep 29. November 4, 2018

John Oliver returns for his weekly satirical rant and commentary in the latest episode of Last Week Tonight. For the November 4, 2018 episode, Oliver delves into several topics that made headlines in the past week.

The episode opens with a scathing critique of President Trump's decision to deploy troops to the southern border in response to the caravan of Central American migrants making their way through Mexico. Oliver examines the political motivations behind the decision, the legal implications of using the military for domestic law enforcement, and the consequences that may result from militarizing the border.

Next, Oliver turns his attention to the midterm elections, which take place just two days after the airing of this episode. He discusses the importance of voting, the controversial voter ID laws that have been passed in some states, and the obstacles that prevent many Americans from exercising their right to vote. Oliver also takes a closer look at some of the key races and ballot measures that will shape the political landscape of the United States for the next several years.

One of the standout segments of the episode is a deep dive into the state of public defenders in the United States. Oliver uses the troubling case of a Florida man who spent over a year in jail without a trial because he couldn't afford bail or a private attorney. Oliver highlights the issues of underfunding, understaffing, and burnout that plague the public defender system and make it difficult for defendants to receive a fair trial.

In a lighter moment, Oliver addresses the recent controversy surrounding Megyn Kelly and her comments about blackface on her NBC show. He uses the opportunity to educate viewers about the history of blackface and why it is deeply offensive. Oliver also takes a moment to poke fun at Kelly's aspirations to be a serious journalist, despite her past as a Fox News personality.

The episode closes with a heartfelt plea for viewers to be engaged in the political process and to hold their elected officials accountable. Oliver encourages viewers to vote, to volunteer in local campaigns, and to stay informed about the issues that affect their communities.

Overall, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver continues to be a must-watch show for anyone who wants to stay informed about current events while being entertained and amused. With insightful commentary, clever humor, and a willingness to tackle tough issues, Oliver has cemented his place as one of the most important voices in late-night television. Whether you're a political junkie or just looking for a good laugh, Last Week Tonight is the show for you.