 The plot revolves around three scary stories told by the Simpson children in the family 's treehouse . The first segment involves a haunted house that is based on various theatrical haunted houses , primarily The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist . In the second segment , Kang and Kodos are introduced when the Simpsons are abducted by aliens . In the third , Edgar Allan Poe 's " The Raven " is adapted . James Earl Jones guest starred in all three segments . The episode was received positively , being included on several critics ' " best of " lists . Critics singled out The Raven for praise , although Simpsons creator Matt Groening was concerned that it would be seen as pretentious . 
