Ep 11. Episode 35

In this episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host starts off by discussing the aftermath of the 2015 Paris attacks, which took place just a few days prior. Oliver touches on the importance of acknowledging the attacks and understanding the complexity of the issue, before highlighting the problem with the knee-jerk reactions that often follow such incidents.

Moving on from the Paris attacks, Oliver delves into the topic of transgender rights in the United States. He highlights some of the struggles that trans individuals face every day, from discrimination and violence to lack of legal protection and limited access to healthcare. Oliver also addresses the controversy surrounding transgender people using public restrooms, arguing that the fear of sexual predators lurking in bathrooms is unfounded and unfairly targets a vulnerable population.

In the next segment, Oliver turns his attention to the U.S. territorial island of Puerto Rico, which at the time was facing a major financial crisis. Oliver explains how the island has been struggling with debt for decades, due in part to policies enacted by the U.S. government. He points out that Puerto Rico actually has no ability to declare bankruptcy, unlike states in the U.S., which has made it difficult for them to manage their debt. Oliver suggests that the island's status as a territory, rather than a state, has contributed to this ongoing problem and advocates for changes to be made to help alleviate their financial burdens.

The final segment of the episode takes a comedic turn, as Oliver examines the growing trend of standardized testing in American schools. He addresses the problems with high-stakes testing, including the fact that it often leads to teaching to the test rather than actual learning. Oliver also highlights some of the absurd questions and formatting used in these tests and argues that students are being set up to fail. As always, the episode ends with Oliver's trademark humor and wit, poking fun at some of the more ridiculous aspects of standardized testing.

Overall, Episode 35 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver touches on a variety of important and timely topics, from transgender rights to Puerto Rico's financial crisis and the flaws in American education. As always, Oliver's unique blend of humor and incisive commentary makes for an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.