... 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.