The authors of the book "I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide", Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, commented that apart from "the memorable lawn mowing sequence at the end, this episode is notable for our first viewing of the gaudy, gadget-filled, God-fearing splendour that is the Flanderses' home." The "Orlando Sentinel"s Gregory Hardy named it the ninth best episode of the show with a sports theme. The reference to "The Karate Kid" was named the 21st greatest film reference in the history of the show by "Total Film"'s Nathan Ditum.