The episode became notable for the guest appearance of actor Mark Linn-Baker, former star of the sitcom Perfect Strangers, as a fictional version of himself who lost his co-stars to the Departure.
Critics lauded "Don't Be Ridiculous" for its unexpected yet poignant inclusion of Perfect Strangers in its narrative, as well as the episode's script, emotional resonance, and Carrie Coon's central performance.
Linn-Baker meets Nora at the hotel and explains that he represents a group of physicists investigating low-amplitude Denziger radiation (LADR), trace amounts of which were observed at various Departure sites.
Linn-Baker, who was the only Perfect Strangers series regular not to have departed (and was later found to have faked his own Departure), confides to Nora his torment over the improbability of his survival among his co-stars, and argues that he and the other research subjects are regaining control of their lives.
During development of the first season, writer-producer Jacqueline Hoyt proposed that the series incorporate the sitcom Perfect Strangers, of which Lindelof is a fan, into its narrative to help illustrate the real-world impact of the Sudden Departure.
Linn-Baker had consented to the series' usage of Perfect Strangers clips and references prior to his own appearance in the show, and instantly agreed to play a fictional version of himself when asked by Lindelof.
[4] Perrotta opined that the scenario lent more credibility to the idea of a machine that can replicate the Departure, stating that the fictional Linn-Baker was "vibrating on a frequency that Nora kind of gets.
Critics observed that the episode derives the name "Don't Be Ridiculous" from the catchphrase of Perfect Strangers protagonist Balki Bartokomous, played by Bronson Pinchot.
Carter found a parallel between Nora's character development and the philosophy of the Wu-Tang Clan, stating, "To me it represents the most absurd ideology, but also the most progressive when it comes to personal freedom and, also, pain.
[10] "Don't Be Ridiculous" received widespread acclaim from critics, who particularly praised Coon's performance and expressed pleasant surprise at the role of Perfect Strangers in the episode's plot and themes.
Alston felt the episode's script reflected the series' multidimensional exploration of the emotional consequences of the Departure, praising Lindelof and Perrotta for "constantly displaying how much thought and consideration they’ve put into this universe."
However, Alston was less enthusiastic about the epilogue set in Australia, remarking, "a story that puts two timelines on a collision course will eventually require spending time with unfamiliar characters or in new terrain, and that always feels like homework.
"[9] Emily St. James of Vox also reserved praise for Coon, remarking, "what she does beautifully here is underline how Nora is spiraling, grasping at straws, trying to avoid discussing the hole at the center of her life."
Caroline Framke, who co-authored the review, felt the episode underscored the series' ability to "make it plain how searching for something concrete inevitably raises more questions than anyone knows how to answer.