Ep 20. August 2, 2020
- TV-MA
- August 2, 2020
- 37 min
John Oliver is back with another episode of "Last Week Tonight" for August 2, 2020. In this episode, Oliver takes on a range of topics, from the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the US to the ongoing protests in Portland, Oregon.
First up is the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As more and more states are experiencing spikes in cases, Oliver takes a look at why the US is struggling so much to contain the virus. He delves into the lack of a national response, the failure to ramp up testing and contact tracing, and the politicization of basic public health measures like wearing masks.
Oliver also highlights some of the ways in which the pandemic has been affecting workers, particularly those in essential jobs who are often underpaid and undervalued. He interviews some workers who have been on the frontlines of the crisis, including a grocery store clerk and a nurse, and discusses the need for better protections and compensation for these workers.
Another major topic covered in this episode is the ongoing protests in Portland, where federal agents have been deployed by the Trump administration to confront demonstrators. Oliver discusses the legality and constitutionality of this deployment, as well as the broader issues at stake in the protests, such as police brutality and systemic racism.
Throughout the episode, Oliver also takes a few moments to lighten things up a bit with some comedic segments. One of these is a spoof of a pharmaceutical commercial for a drug called "Indecisac," which is designed to help people who are struggling to make up their minds about whether or not to wear a mask. Another segment focuses on the weirder side of the internet, as Oliver explores the bizarre world of conspiracy theories and online grifting.
Overall, "Last Week Tonight" season 7 episode 20 is a thoughtful and engaging look at some of the most pressing issues of the day. With his trademark blend of humor and incisive political commentary, John Oliver sheds light on the problems facing us all and encourages us to stay informed and engaged with the world around us.
