Clifford needed Emily, so she chose him for her own. And her love made Clifford grow so big...
General:
- The series is about a dog that continuously grew because of his owner's love for him. It might be a bit outlandish, but it's still very cute.
- The 2000 PBS show's Expository Theme Tune is a serious contender for one of the sweetest intros in Western Animation history, especially if you grew up with the show. It's a simple summary of how much Clifford and Emily Elizabeth love each other, and it's hard not to smile when watching it.
- Emily Elizabeth and Clifford’s relationship in general is incredibly uplifting. Out of all the puppies in the litter, Emily picked the dog that’s not only red but small enough to fit into anything, and gave him enough love for him to grow to absurd proportions. Even though she could have easily been neglectful of Clifford after his growth spurt due to his size potentially making him a social and financial liability and because she’s a child that would logically rather play than work, Emily goes out of her way to feed her dog, give him baths (tasks that are, considering his size, really demanding), read bedtime stories to him, roam around the island with him, and is extremely patient with him whenever he messes up.
- Clifford returns the favor by being as loyal as a dog could be. He gives Emily rides to school, and makes sure to always be there to pick her up when class is over. He is perfectly willing to spend his day making the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for her, cheering her up when she’s sick, and helping her and her friends out whether it’s for a game, a school project, or any other miscellaneous tasks. Similar to how Emily never believes Clifford means any harm, he never doubts her when she’s in trouble.
- Although they’re not always happy with him, especially Jetta and Mr. Bleakman, and sometimes have a good reason to be upset at him, the people of Birdwell Island nevertheless accept Clifford for who he is and love interacting with him. The reason why Clifford managed to get a proper doghouse? The townspeople built it for him to thank him for being genuinely helpful.
- The Speckle segments are just very short transitions from one segment to another, but the idea of Clifford actually having a favorite book series, and Emily scheduling a “story time” just to entertain him, is adorable and says a lot about their bond.Emily Elizabeth: That was a great story! Isn’t reading fun?
Clifford: Woof! - The peaceful nature of Birdwell Island makes it a very cozy setting. Even with a playful giant of a dog and a few grouchy and/or arrogant individuals here and there, people in the community know how to look out for each other.
- During the ending to Clifford's Really Big Movie where Emily Elizabeth and her friends reunite with Clifford. Mr. Bleakman who's usually annoyed by Clifford utter this line after messing at his garden once again.Mr. Bleakman: [angrily] Clifford! [softly] It's good to see you back.
Individual Episodes
- The very first episode of the 2000 series, “My Best Friend”, ends with Emily Elizabeth realizing that no wild animal or shiny object can be as special and amazing as her big red dog. It might be predictable, but it’s absolutely touching.
- In "Home is where the Fun is" Emily Elizabeth believes Birdwell Island is nothing special, at least not in comparison to the Titanic Tower Jetta is seeing. Clifford and his friends get an idea to give her and Charley a tour of Birdwell Island in all its local landmarks. At the end of the day, she has more fun at their home than if she had gone with Jetta to the Titanic Tower.
- At the end of "The Great Race", Cleo and Clifford praise T-Bone for not only finishing the race, but for playing fair when it's revealed Mac cheated at said-race.
- In "To Catch a Bird", nearly everybody keeps assuming Emily Elizabeth really did steal Jetta's medal... except for Clifford. When all is said and done and her name is cleared, Emily Elizabeth can proudly say her dog never doubted her for an instant.
- "Come Back Mac" has a surprising one between Jetta and Mac. Mac accidentally ruins Jetta's sweater and hides out of fear she'll be upset. In a poignant way, this reveals that for all his attitude and need for Tummy Yummies, Mac genuinely loves his owner and cares about her feelings. On the flipside, when Mac finally comes clean, Jetta shows kindness and maturity to patiently tell Mac that he shouldn't be afraid to come forward, and she cares about her dog far more than a mere sweater.
- All of "Little Clifford", especially the ending portion. As opposed to the book where Clifford was initially separated from Emily Elizabeth for a while, the Howards decide to move all together!
- Special shout-out to the scene where Emily Elizabeth meets Clifford. She thinks all the dogs in the litter are cute, but as soon as she sets her eyes on the small red puppy, she instantly knows he’s the pet for her.
- "The Ears Have it" reveals that T-Bone secretly has a fear of loud noises (not uncommon among dogs), and he has a dilemma where he wants to see the fireworks but is too scared to see them. Cleo and Clifford comfort him by admitting their respective fears (sleeping in the dark, spiders). T-Bone insists they can watch the fireworks without him. Instead, they find a compromise by giving him earmuffs so he can watch the fireworks with his friends.
- "The Big Sleepover" has Clifford homesick for Emily Elizabeth during the latter's trip, to the point where everyone on the island gathers to think of a way to alleviate his homesickness. Special mention goes to Mr. Bleakman, who (despite his reluctance) tries to sing Clifford to sleep. Towards the end, when everybody else is too exhausted from sleep deprivation to try anything, it takes some kind words from Charley to help Clifford sleep.
- Anytime T-Bone and Mimi are together.
- "New Dog in Town" explores how Clifford came to befriend T-Bone.
- "Mr. Bleakman's Special Day". That is all.
- Emily Elizabeth's poem for her mother in “The Best Gift”:Some call you Mrs. Howard, but you’re always Mom to me,
When I wake up in the morning, you’re the first face that I see,
I know you’re very busy, you have many things you do,
But I know you’ll always be there, whenever I need you,
You help me with my schoolwork, you help me laugh and play,
I know that I can count on you every single day,
So, here’s a poem I’ve written, it’s my gift to you this time,
Happy birthday to you Mom, I’m really glad you’re mine - "Two's Company" is this in two-fold ways. First, Cleo wants to play with K.C. all to herself, a sharp contrast to their first meeting when she feared him for having some sort of disease. Second, K.C. has the good conscience to (if calmly) call her out of excluding T-Bone and Clifford. He likes visiting his Birdwell Island friends, but he won't stand to leave them out.
- Mr. Bleakman sending Emily Elizabeth's letter to her favorite singer when the latter thinks it's silly to try in "Fan Mail". Why does he do it? Because the singer happens to be his beloved niece!
- "He's Wonderful Mr. Bleakman" is a wonderful look into how, despite being gruff, Mr. Bleakman has always been a terrific neighbor.
- "Not Now, I'm Busy" reveals that the reason K.C. is ducking out on quality time with our canine trio isn't because he's snubbing them. Rather, he's actually an assistant dog and is taking care of his owner's mother.
