From a totally bare white set, John Oliver gave me more information I can trust, more good advice, and more optimism in 21 minutes than I have gotten from a week's worth of drivel spewing from various locations in and around the White House. And, of course, there was humour, too. I hope he can soon find a way to resume his weekly show (his usual studio was closed due to viral contamination, hence the bare stage and, of course, no audience).
5 Reviews
Anthropologists will study this episode someday...
AlsExGal17 March 2020
... like the last broadcast of Anthony Zerbe's news anchor in The Omega Man.
Oliver did an episode a couple of weeks before on coronavirus, but that was when people were still playing with the ice on the deck of the Titanic and the lifeboats were still being launched half empty and with men in them because they couldn't find enough women who wanted to embark on this "exercise". By two weeks later, stuff had gotten real for Americans, store shelves were raided of Purell and all paper products that could be used as toilet paper, public figures worldwide had tested positive, and professional sports were shut down. And all Trump could do was rearrange the deck chairs on the now visibly sinking Titanic as panicked people scurry aimlessly about.
John Oliver talks about all of these developments, the absurdity and lack of accountability of Trump - always a treasure trove of potential jokes, and also differentiates between helpful and not so helpful things we can all do both for ourselves and each other. What really struck me was the optimism and calming presence Oliver had during this broadcast, and yes he is funny even without an audience.
Right now America's inspiration and leadership are emenating from Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Oliver, and a tik tok hamster (see the episode to understand that last one). Imagine if America had to go through WWII with only Dr. Jonas Salk, Jack Benny, and Gustav, carrier pigeon of the RAF to inform, calm, and inspire them? Weird times indeed.
Oliver did an episode a couple of weeks before on coronavirus, but that was when people were still playing with the ice on the deck of the Titanic and the lifeboats were still being launched half empty and with men in them because they couldn't find enough women who wanted to embark on this "exercise". By two weeks later, stuff had gotten real for Americans, store shelves were raided of Purell and all paper products that could be used as toilet paper, public figures worldwide had tested positive, and professional sports were shut down. And all Trump could do was rearrange the deck chairs on the now visibly sinking Titanic as panicked people scurry aimlessly about.
John Oliver talks about all of these developments, the absurdity and lack of accountability of Trump - always a treasure trove of potential jokes, and also differentiates between helpful and not so helpful things we can all do both for ourselves and each other. What really struck me was the optimism and calming presence Oliver had during this broadcast, and yes he is funny even without an audience.
Right now America's inspiration and leadership are emenating from Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Oliver, and a tik tok hamster (see the episode to understand that last one). Imagine if America had to go through WWII with only Dr. Jonas Salk, Jack Benny, and Gustav, carrier pigeon of the RAF to inform, calm, and inspire them? Weird times indeed.
Okaaaaay
BrendanMichaels17 March 2020
FANTASTIC SHOW
trinadru-856-39793917 March 2020
This is a show I would watch if John felt comfortable doing the show from home, (relaxing on his couch, or in his favorite chair) could be a great show idea. I would watch no matter where or how you do your show. YES IT'S THAT GOOD!!! LOVE IT, LOVE IT.
Thank you, John Oliver.
stephenkolozsi20 March 2020
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