Ep 3. Olympic Games vs. Drinking Games

Lewis Black's Root of All Evil is a comedic debate show where two opposing sides argue which is the evilest of two evils. In season 2 episode 3, the topic up for debate is "Olympic Games vs. Drinking Games." The episode begins with Lewis Black detailing the rules of both Olympic and Drinking games. He also explains the stakes of the debate, which include bragging rights, a trophy, and a picture on the wall of the Root of All Evil studio.

The first person to present their argument is Paul F. Tompkins, who is representing the Olympic Games. He argues that the Olympic Games are more evil than drinking games because they promote nationalism and jingoism, creating divisions between countries and people. He also emphasizes the negative economic impact the Olympics have on cities and countries, as they often lead to infrastructure spending and debt. Tompkins makes the case that the Olympics are a display of wealth and power, and their emphasis on winning at all costs makes them more evil than drinking games.

Ari Shaffir then presents the argument for drinking games. He argues that drinking games are more evil than the Olympics because of the physical and psychological harm they cause. Shaffir highlights how drinking games can lead to alcohol poisoning, vomiting, and even death. He also touches on the negative emotional impact they can have, specifically on those struggling with addiction or mental illness. Shaffir makes the point that drinking games are essentially just a way to normalize binge drinking and that they perpetuate the dangerous myth that drinking excessively is cool.

After both arguments are presented, Lewis Black moderates a series of comedic debates between the two guests. The debates cover various topics, including which has more of an impact on the economy, which is more fun, and which is more likely to lead to arrests. Throughout the debates, the guests hurl insults at each other, often inciting laughter from the audience.

At the end of the debates, Lewis Black declares a winner based on which argument was more convincing. However, the show ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience wondering who ultimately wins the debate.

Overall, "Olympic Games vs. Drinking Games" is a hilarious and thought-provoking episode of Lewis Black's Root of All Evil. The opposing sides make compelling arguments, and the comedic debates provide a unique perspective on the evils of both Olympic and drinking games. Whether you're a fan of sports, drinking, or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is definitely worth a watch.