Ep 18. July 28, 2019

On July 28, 2019, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired its 18th episode of the sixth season, covering a variety of topics in the host's signature satirical style. The episode began with a segment on President Trump's recent tweets directed towards the city of Baltimore, in which he referred to it as a "disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess." Oliver used this as a jumping off point to discuss the long-standing issues of housing inequality and segregation in America, particularly in Baltimore.

The show then moved on to a segment about "hoarders," individuals who collect large quantities of items that they are unable to get rid of, often to the point of it becoming a danger to their health and safety. Oliver used this topic to explore the larger issue of the psychological impact of clutter and the emotional reasons people may become hoarders. He also highlighted the need for more compassion and understanding towards individuals suffering from this disorder, rather than treating it as a joke or spectacle.

Next up, Last Week Tonight tackled the controversial issue of facial recognition technology, which is increasingly being used by law enforcement and other governmental agencies. Oliver discussed the potential dangers of this technology, including its inherent bias and inaccuracy, as well as the potential for infringement on people's privacy and civil liberties. He also suggested some actions that could be taken to mitigate these risks, such as regulations on the use of facial recognition and increased transparency from the companies developing this technology.

The show then shifted its focus to the topic of public shaming, particularly in the age of social media. Oliver discussed several high-profile cases of public shaming, including the story of Justine Sacco, a woman whose life was upended after she tweeted a poorly worded joke. He highlighted the damage that can be done by collective outrage and the importance of forgiveness and understanding. He also called out the hypocrisy of individuals who participate in public shaming while also claiming to be against cancel culture.

Last on the docket was a segment about the rising cost of prescription drugs in America. Oliver discussed several factors contributing to this trend, including the lack of price regulations on pharmaceutical companies and the role of middlemen in the drug supply chain. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals who rely on prescription drugs to manage chronic illnesses, and the devastating impact this cost can have on their lives. As always, Oliver's segment was both informative and entertaining, with a healthy dose of humor mixed in with the serious subject matter.

Overall, the July 28, 2019 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver covered a diverse range of topics with the host's trademark wit and insight. From political commentary to social issues to healthcare, Oliver and his team never fail to tackle the issues that matter most to their audience, and to do so with both intelligence and humor.