In his recent episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, John Oliver took an unexpected approach to shed light on the absurdity surrounding abortion laws in the United States. Utilizing the low-budget action movie “Money Plane,” Oliver drew connections between floating abortion clinics and the film’s premise of an airborne casino. This unique analogy allowed him to emphasize the disregard for women’s reproductive rights in certain states and the urgent need for change.
Oliver wasted no time in diving into the central focus of his critique: “Money Plane.” He humorously described the film as a spectacle featuring a casino in the sky, occupied by thieves, cartels, and arms dealers who perpetually evade arrest due to the ever-moving money plane’s location in international airspace. With this bizarre premise, Oliver drew parallels to the notion of floating abortion clinics, a proposal intended to bypass states that have made abortions illegal. Both the “Money Plane” and the concept of floating abortion clinics represent lawless territories where anything goes, undermining the fundamental principles of justice and women’s rights.
Throughout the episode, Oliver masterfully connected the dots between the “Money Plane” and the current situation surrounding abortion laws in the United States. With the recent Dobbs decision and several local elections looming, the comedian highlighted the urgency of the issue. By juxtaposing the lawlessness of the money plane and states imposing stringent abortion restrictions, Oliver delivered a powerful message about the absurdity of prohibiting women from accessing safe and legal abortions.
While the primary focus of Oliver’s critique was the correlation between “Money Plane” and abortion laws, he couldn’t help but comment on the film’s cast. Kelsey Grammer, known for his iconic role as Frasier Crane, played the villainous character Darius Emanuel Grouch III, also known as “The Rumble,” in “Money Plane.” Oliver humorously called it the Frasier reboot that viewers deserved, highlighting the unexpected turn in Grammer’s career.
Although “Money Plane” served as an amusing and unexpected backdrop for Oliver’s critique, it is crucial to recognize the larger issues at hand. Abortion laws in the United States continue to vary drastically across states, perpetuating a system that disproportionately affects marginalized communities and restricts reproductive rights. By utilizing humor and an unconventional analogy, Oliver effectively drew attention to the urgency of addressing and rectifying these unjust laws.
John Oliver’s use of the eccentric action movie “Money Plane” as a vehicle to critique abortion laws in the United States was a stroke of genius. By drawing connections to floating abortion clinics and highlighting the absurdity of the film’s premise, Oliver emphasized the urgent need for change and the importance of protecting women’s reproductive rights. While the Frasier reunion within the film provided amusement, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications at play. The fight for reproductive justice continues, and it is essential for individuals and lawmakers alike to address the current situation and advocate for equitable access to safe and legal abortions.