‘Last Week with John Oliver’ Re-imagines Nintendo with Gay Characters

Princess Peach and Princess Zelda about to have sex with each other? Sadly, that’s not such a far-fetched notion after the May 18 episode of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.” 

Sunday was the 10-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Gay rights groups complained last week that Nintendo’s new “Tomodachi” game did not include the option to marry an avatar of the same-sex, the story was heavily covered by the media (because no aspect of life – however trivial – can be allowed to stand unpoliticized). Nintendo apologized and promised to be more inclusive in the future – thus giving comedian John Oliver comic fodder: What will Nintendo look like in the future with gay characters? 

From there, a video game simulation shows Mario and Link from “Legend of Zelda” embracing and kissing, Princess Zelda and Princess Peach kissing on a bed horizontal, Yoshi and Toad getting married, and Bowzer mourning the death of his partner Donkey Kong. Oliver praised the pensions and death benefits the gay cartoon characters would receive because they were now allowed to be married. 

Sometimes, only absurd comedy can explain where we’re headed.