To the end of this show, that's the nature of it from seasons past. So much so that while I love the humor and educational value, it's so dark when the comedic vehicle is stripped away that I stopped viewing the show. I figured the start of the season would be worth the watch given current events, ultimately... for better or worse.

Releasing emotion through laughter rather than burning outrage to take action is what I'm reading your hypothetical question as. To that end, I agree. I think that forms of thought is what led everyone to laugh off Trump until he was in office. On the other hand, it provides SOME release to the inevitable outrage and action that comes from, say, the first iteration of Trump's travel ban - which I've heard on NPR there's another iteration in the works due to the Court's decision. Point being, when poop hits the fan and your loved ones can't come back home, those affected won't be laughing. Further, while those not affected may laugh, there are plenty of non-comedic AND comedic sources pushing for action that simply laughing it off isn't always the end of it. For example, the show after the election, Oliver did his regular gig, but delineated exactly what causes to look out for and support in the coming years. His aim is education, however dark the theme on a moral spectrum; his vehicle is comedy.

I'm on my phone at the moment, so I cannot live link you directly to the time I want to. But, the time I am referencing is 18:50 through roughly 21 minutes: