Ep 5. Mar 18, 2018

In the fifth episode of the fifth season of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which aired on March 18, 2018, the host takes a critical look at Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Oliver spends the majority of the episode examining bin Salman’s recent crackdown on corruption, which he argues is actually a way for the Crown Prince to consolidate power and eliminate potential threats to his rule.

Oliver discusses the lavish lifestyle of bin Salman and other members of the Saudi royal family, noting that the country’s wealth is largely the result of its abundance of oil and gas reserves. Despite this abundance, Oliver notes that many Saudi citizens live in poverty and lack basic human rights, including freedom of speech and assembly.

The host also examines the United States’ relationship with Saudi Arabia, arguing that American politicians have largely turned a blind eye to the country’s long-standing history of human rights abuses because of its strategic importance in the Middle East. Oliver notes that President Trump seems particularly willing to overlook many of the Saudi government’s failings, and has even praised bin Salman for his supposed efforts to modernize the country.

Throughout the episode, Oliver draws attention to a number of cases in which the Saudi government has committed human rights abuses, including its recent arrest and detention of dozens of prominent businessmen and politicians. Oliver also highlights the way in which the Saudi government has used military force to suppress dissent, noting its involvement in the ongoing conflict in neighboring Yemen.

As always, Oliver’s commentary is backed up by thorough research and a dry sense of humor. He includes clips from news reports and interviews with experts on Saudi Arabia, as well as clips of Saudi officials and members of the royal family. He also offers commentary on the way in which the media tends to portray Saudi Arabia, noting that the country is often characterized as a modernizing force in the Middle East despite its long history of human rights abuses.

Overall, the episode is a thought-provoking and informative look at Saudi Arabia and its role in the global community. Oliver’s commentary is both entertaining and enlightening, and offers a fresh perspective on a country that is often misunderstood by those outside of the region. Whether you are interested in global politics or simply appreciate Oliver’s unique brand of snarky humor, this episode is definitely worth a watch.