Clifford the Big Red Dog - Clothes Don't Make the Dog (S1E49)
T-Bone gets a new sweater but learns that “Clothes Don't Make the Dog”; Emily thinks Clifford is neglecting her.
| Runtime (min) | 15 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2001-07-11 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
Storyline
In this episode of Clifford the Big Red Dog, T-Bone receives a brand new sweater that he is excited to show off to his friends. However, he quickly learns that wearing clothes doesn’t change who he is as a dog. While T-Bone revels in his new look, Clifford finds himself feeling neglected by Emily, who believes that Clifford is no longer paying attention to her because he is distracted by T-Bone's new sweater.
As the story unfolds, both T-Bone and Clifford discover important lessons about identity and friendship. T-Bone realizes that true friendship is based on who you are inside, not what you wear. Meanwhile, Emily learns to appreciate Clifford for his unique qualities and the bond they share, regardless of any distractions that may arise.
What Parents Say
This episode effectively teaches children about the importance of self-identity and the value of genuine friendships. T-Bone's experience with his sweater highlights that external appearances do not define one's worth or abilities. It’s an excellent conversation starter for parents to discuss with their children about how true friends appreciate each other for who they are, rather than their possessions.
Additionally, the storyline touches on feelings of neglect and the importance of communication in relationships. Emily's feelings of being overlooked can resonate with many children, providing a relatable scenario to explore emotions and the significance of expressing needs and feelings to friends.
What Children Can Learn
Kids learn that clothes and appearances do not define who we are. T-Bone's experience with his new sweater serves as a reminder that friendship is about acceptance and understanding rather than superficial traits. This can encourage children to value their own unique qualities and those of their friends, helping them to build meaningful connections.
The episode also emphasizes the need to communicate feelings in friendships. Emily's initial feelings of neglect lead to misunderstandings, but through open dialogue, she and Clifford can reconnect. Children can learn that expressing their thoughts and feelings is essential for maintaining strong relationships.
Five Most Asked Questions
Here are five common questions parents might have about this episode of Clifford the Big Red Dog.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What lesson does T-Bone learn about his new sweater? | T-Bone learns that while wearing a new sweater is fun, it doesn't change who he is as a dog. The experience teaches him that true friendship and self-worth come from inside, not from external appearances. This realization helps him appreciate his own identity and the bonds he shares with his friends. |
| How does Emily feel about Clifford in this episode? | Emily initially feels neglected by Clifford because she perceives that he is more focused on T-Bone's new sweater than on her. This feeling of being overlooked leads her to question their friendship, showcasing the importance of attention and connection in their relationship. |
| What does this episode say about friendship? | The episode conveys that true friendship is built on understanding and acceptance, rather than superficial appearances. T-Bone's journey with his sweater emphasizes that friends should value each other for who they are, promoting the idea that real connections go beyond material possessions. |
| How can parents discuss the themes of this episode with their children? | Parents can use this episode as a starting point to discuss themes of identity and the importance of communication in friendships. They can ask their children how they feel when they think they are being overlooked and encourage them to express their feelings openly to their friends. |
| What emotions do the characters experience in this episode? | The characters experience a range of emotions, including excitement, neglect, and ultimately, understanding. T-Bone feels pride in his new sweater, while Emily feels neglected. By the end, both characters learn valuable lessons about appreciating each other, leading to a resolution that strengthens their friendship. |
Cast
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Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | My Best Friend - Believe in yourself Emily decides that she must find something "special" for Show and Tell. But after an exhaustive search of Birdwell Island for the perfect thing to share, Emily learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose. |
| 1 | 2 | Cleo doesn't want to share her new toy with anyone. |
| 1 | 3 | Clifford accidentally breaks a present he was supposed to deliver for Emily. |
| 1 | 4 | Clifford tries to stay clean for a magazine's Dog of the Year contest. |
| 1 | 5 | Emily has to take care of a baby bird, leaving her little time to play with Clifford. |
| 1 | 6 | Emily is jealous when Jetta gets to visit an exciting city. |
| 1 | 7 | Everyone, including Clifford, must work as a team to put on the fall carnival. |
| 1 | 8 | Emily's cousin Laura and her dog, Rex, arrive for a visit. |
| 1 | 9 | T-Bone finds himself in a race against Mac. |
| 1 | 10 | When the dogs eat too many treats, they learn that too much of a good thing can be bad. |
| 1 | 11 | In a flashback story, Cleo shakes things up when she arrives on the island. |
| 1 | 12 | When Cleo makes a new friend, she starts ignoring Clifford and T-Bone. |
| 1 | 13 | Emily competes against Jetta for the lead in the school play. |
| 1 | 14 | Clifford itches like crazy but hides his discomfort to avoid a trip to the doctor. |
| 1 | 15 | The new dog in town has only three legs, which makes the gang uncomfortable. |
| 1 | 16 | Clifford's digging talents become an asset when a big storm blows in. |
| 1 | 17 | Clifford learns that stars, like everyone else, sometimes need help. |
| 1 | 18 | Cleo develops stage fright when the dogs are recruited to help with a show. |
| 1 | 19 | All fingers and paws point to Emily as the thief when Jetta's trophy and locket vanish. |
| 1 | 20 | Jetta mocks Emily's plans for her birthday party activities. |
| 1 | 21 | When Mac tears one of Jetta's sweaters, he feels terrible about it and runs away. |
| 1 | 22 | Jetta learns that it's OK to have fears and admit them. |
| 1 | 23 | In flashbacks, Emily meets Clifford, and her love turns him into the biggest dog around. |
| 1 | 24 | Clifford has to dispel preconceived ideas about large dogs. |
| 1 | 25 | |
| 1 | 26 | |
| 1 | 27 | Clifford jumps into a pile of leaves that T-Bone has raked, and when they scatter he has a lesson to learn; Charley finally finds a sport he can't master, “jiggly juggle,” but he decides to work at it anyway. |
| 1 | 28 | |
| 1 | 29 | The dogs go to school for the first time, and T-Bone worries that he won't be able to keep up; the library sponsors an essay contest called “Islander of the Year.” Guess who it is? |
| 1 | 30 | |
| 1 | 31 | T-Bone's not looking forward to the town celebration because he's afraid of loud noises; nobody will play with Clifford because they're too busy planning a surprise party for him. |
| 1 | 32 | |
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| 1 | 35 | Mac starts an “exclusive” club (he wants to exclude T-Bone); Mr. Bleekman wants to exclude dogs from the park, but he finds that he misses them when they're gone. |
| 1 | 36 | |
| 1 | 37 | Cleo is voted Fluffiest Dog of Birdwell Island and can't stop bragging about it; Jetta tells Vaz that he's bad at soccer, which prompts him to stop playing. |
| 1 | 38 | |
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| 1 | 40 | |
| 1 | 41 | Clifford and Cleo think that T-Bone is moving; the dogs are upset with the arrival of cats, but then they learn that different isn't necessarily bad. |
| 1 | 42 | |
| 1 | 43 | Clifford misses Emily when she goes on a trip, so his friends try to make up for it; Charley wants to lead a chore-free dog's life. |
| 1 | 44 | |
| 1 | 45 | T-Bone falls in love. Meanwhile, Clifford tries to make the perfect Valentine for Emily. |
| 1 | 46 | |
| 1 | 47 | Cleo is jealous of her owner's sister's dog, Susie. Also: it's role-reversal time: Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone take care of a pet. |
| 1 | 48 | |
| 1 | 49 | T-Bone gets a new sweater but learns that “Clothes Don't Make the Dog”; Emily thinks Clifford is neglecting her. |
| 1 | 50 | |
| 1 | 51 | T-Bone eats Cleo's new dog food then lies about it; Charley and Emily have an ice-cream party when Charley's father is away. |
| 1 | 52 | |
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| 1 | 57 | |
| 1 | 58 | |
| 1 | 59 | While her house is being painted, Cleo stays with Clifford---and takes over; the dogs try to get grumpy Mr. Bleakman to brighten up, and find that their good deeds make them feel good, too. |
| 1 | 60 | |
| 1 | 61 | Clifford and the other dogs pitch in with the “Keep Birdwell Island Beautiful” effort by planting a flower garden. Except for Cleo. She wants to plant a dog-toy garden for herself. Then the dogs find the long-buried trunk of the island's discoverer, Captain Birdwell. But Jetta is given credit for the find. Will she tell the truth? Voice of Clifford: John Ritter. |
| 1 | 62 | |
| 1 | 63 | In a flashback sequence, the Howards arrive on Birdwell Island, and their new neighbors join in welcoming a very big newcomer. Then Jetta breaks a beach date with Emily Elizabeth because she has received a “better offer” from an older girl. |
| 1 | 64 | |
| 1 | 65 | Clifford gets a really big case of the hiccups and his friends have a big job helping him get rid of them; Jetta throws a movie party, but all she shows are home movies of herself. |
| 1 | 66 | |
| 1 | 67 | Clifford cleans out his doghouse but can't throw things away because each item holds a memory. Also, Jetta has a new baby brother, but that means that she no longer gets all the attention. |
| 1 | 68 | |
| 1 | 69 | Jetta's envious of Emily Elizabeth because everybody loves her pet, Clifford. So she makes up a pet of her own. Then Cleo helps Vaz with his paper route. She likes helping him and she likes the treats she gets as a reward. In fact, she mostly likes the treats. |
| 1 | 70 | |
| 1 | 71 | Clifford and Emily Elizabeth try to get Mr. Bleakman (voice of Earl Boen), a notorious party pooper, to attend the Howards' party; Emily Elizabeth writes a poem for her mother's birthday, but Jetta thinks it's not a good gift. |
| 1 | 72 | |
| 1 | 73 | K.C. returns for a visit and Cleo's so excited that she forgets her other friends. Also, rain threatens the back-to-school barbecue and Mac is so disappointed that his friends try to stop the rain. |
| 1 | 74 | |
| 1 | 75 | It's Topsy Turvy Day, so Jetta and Emily “trade” dogs. Then Clifford is told to polish his manners for Mrs. Bleakman's book-club party. Voice of Mrs. Bleakman: Edie McClurg. |
| 1 | 76 | |
| 1 | 77 | Clifford forgets a play date with Cleo, who accuses him of abusing her friendship; Cleo teases T-bone because he's smitten with a visiting dog named Mimi. |
| 1 | 78 | |
| 1 | 79 | Cleo borrows Clifford's favorite blanket and carelessly gets it dirty; the dogs dig for dinosaur bones as part of a friend's college project. |
| 1 | 80 |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Cleo Pretends to hurt herself so she won't have to embarrass herself on the ice rink. But with the help of Clifford and his friends, they help her understand that trying new things with your friends is fun. |
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| 2 | 35 | Emily Elizabeth and Jetta try to get Charley to honor his promises; Cleo runs away to avoid taking a bath. |
| 2 | 36 | |
| 2 | 37 | When Cleo's bored by the rain, Clifford gets her to imagine an exciting story; a power failure threatens Birdwell Island, but Clifford and Mr. Bleakman save the day. |
| 2 | 38 | |
| 2 | 39 | |
| 2 | 40 | |
| 2 | 41 | A visiting dog tries to lead Clifford astray, but he learns to stand up for his beliefs; the kids wonder if marriage will change their teacher. |
| 2 | 42 | |
| 2 | 43 | Ads for a new dog food influence Clifford and his friends; news of an old buddy's upcoming visit makes T-Bone recall his days as a puppy. |
| 2 | 44 | |
| 2 | 45 | Clifford accidentally bathes in dye and then tries to hide the fact; Mary's afraid to perform in front of an audience, but is helped by Emily. |
| 2 | 46 | |
| 2 | 47 | T-Bone puts together a pop band that Mac would like to join; a dog champion comes to Birdwell Island and all the dogs want to impress him. |
| 2 | 48 | |
| 2 | 49 | A very small dog named Frankie envies Clifford being big; T-Bone and Clifford have to adjust to their differences in size. |
| 2 | 50 |
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