I noticed in the video on Drudge report that a lot of the residents seemed to find it oddly funny, since nobody was hurt and the damage was not nearly as great as it could have been. Apparently they're used to hearing explosions, this is just the first time a cannonball has been fired through the houses. Must be an interesting neighborhood to live in, that's for sure.
And Rebel, I'm pretty sure you're right about the deflecting theory.
I really hope it doesn't cause long term problems for the show. That is my kids' favorite show and I know they take lots and lots of safety precautions, this must have been a freak thing.