Since airing, the episode has received generally positive reviews from critics. The authors of the book "I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide", Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, wrote, "After the first few minutes, this episode becomes less about Marge than the family's reliance on her. Bart and Lisa's torturous time at Patty and Selma's is wonderful... but it's Homer losing Maggie, and working out what to tell Marge upon her return, that provides the best jokes."