- One scene of extended pointless repetitive physical discomfort, preferably targeted at Homer
- George W. Bush, who has gotten off way too easy in the past 6 years. (You know they can do better than just calling him "Commander Cuckoo Bananas.")
- An addition to Springfield's diverse geographical makeup that already includes the ocean, lakes, the badlands, the alkali flats, the gorge and the "Murderhorn"
- Professor Frink and/or one of his new inventions. (And he better say "Glayvin.")
- One major rock stars or group appearing as themselves
- The surprise return of at least one dead character (Marvin Monroe, Maude Flanders, Vegas wife Amber, etc. -- but not Bleeding Gums Murphy)
- One (but no more than one) catchy musical number
- Some world-class over-the-top villainy from Mr. Burns
- A completely gratuitous dig at the Fox network
- Kang and Kodos
And some things that better not be in it:
- Gratuitous use of celebrities voices, especially playing themselves
- Live action, 3D, claymation or other visually gimmicky segments done just for the sake of doing them
- Any of Bart's old catchphrases, even if they're used ironically