Amid the sometimes effusive outpouring of love for Jon Stewart during his final weeks on The Daily Show, some of the smartest pushback has come, ironically, from Jon Stewart. On Wednesday night, the show noted how the media often covers its segments—as with John Oliver’s—with headlines claiming that it “Annihilates,” “Destroys,” and “Eviscerates” massive structural forces. Then, in a segment titled “The Daily Show, Destroyer of Worlds,” it checked in with some of its old adversaries to see whether they were indeed still missing their viscera.

The segment is a good reminder that laughing at something is not a good substitute for taking action, but that doesn’t mean comedy never makes a difference. Sometimes—and especially when you find yourself powerless—just laughing at something can make you feel better. That matters, too.

Read more in Slate about Jon Stewart:

• Why Jon Stewart Was Bad for the Liberals Who Loved Him
• A Former Daily Show Correspondent on Its Evolution From Underdog to Media Institution
• The Most Jon Stewart Moments in the History of the Daily Show With Jon Stewart