Ep 12. Episode 71
- TV-MA
- May 15, 2016
- 29 min
-
8.1 (341)
In season 3, episode 12 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, titled "Episode 71," John Oliver continues his satirical take on news, politics, and current events. The episode opens with a segment on the U.S. presidential election, in which Oliver provides commentary on the candidates and their campaigns. He also delves into the role of super PACS and their potential influence on the election.
Oliver moves on to discuss the Flint water crisis, which is a lead contamination issue that has affected the water supply of the city of Flint, Michigan, since 2014. He examines the events that led to the crisis and criticizes the government's handling of the situation. He also highlights the ongoing efforts of residents and activists to rectify the issue.
The episode then takes a turn towards the comedic as Oliver introduces a segment titled "Internet Troll vs. John Oliver." In this segment, Oliver reads out hate mail and tweets that he has received and replies to them in his characteristic humorous style. The segment serves as a commentary on internet trolling and cyberbullying.
Next, Oliver takes on the issue of standardized testing in schools. He presents arguments against standardized testing, such as their reliance on memorization and their impact on teacher evaluations, and advocates for alternative teaching methods. He also critiques the companies that profit from standardized testing and the politicians who support such testing.
The episode closes with a segment on the state of journalism in the digital age. Oliver examines the challenges faced by traditional news media, such as declining readership and revenue, and the rise of alternative sources of news online. He also criticizes the trend of news media focusing on sensationalism and celebrity gossip at the expense of more serious issues.
Overall, season 3, episode 12 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a range of topics in a humorous and critical manner. The show provides a fresh perspective on news and current events, combining in-depth research with satirical humor.