Everyone disputes when the golden age of 'The Simpsons' ended, and i'm sure will for the rest of time, but for me, this is where the end began.
There was always some sort of reality within the show before this point. Yes, the characters did silly things, but there was always a heart. This episode features highly stupid things, with no real logic attached.
The change in Homer is noticeable. So much time has gone by since that we accept him as he is now, but before this point, yes he was dumb, but not to this OTT extent.
I'm a fan of the show, I still find newer episodes funny, but for me the standard of seasons 3-9 have never been matched.