Maybe I'm jaded because I get to watch Futurama and Family Guy five nights a week (which are consistently excellent), but this episode seemed to be lacking in the funny department, especially when compared to the high standards The Simpsons has set in previous seasons. I think I actually liked last year's THOH better. Also, not nearly enough "horror" music (at least they left in the scream/Gracie theme in minor key). Overall: [C+]
The opener with Kang & Kodos ... well, it might have been funnier if I hadn't already seen 90% at least ten times on the commercials. Not bad though, but a little passe after the commercial overexposure. [N/A]
The "Ned Zone": Was actually pretty funny. I think the funniest moment was Ned saving Hans Moleman, seeing his vision, and then immediately (and accidentally) dropping him into the sewer to fulfill that vision. [A-]
Lisa the Sherlock: The funniest part was everyone attempting British accents (especially Marge). Not a bad segment, but not hilarious either. [B]
The 138th Animated Fantastic Voyage Parody Spectacular: It would have been funnier had this not been beaten to death already. Compared to the other animated parodies, I have to rate it as less funny than Family Guy ("Emission Impossible"), Aqua Teen Hunger Force ("Unremarkable Voyage"), or even Sealab 2021 ("Craptastic Voyage"). Too much dumbass Homer, and the ending with Homer inside Burns' body just fell flat. [C-]