Clifford

In 2050, at a Catholic school, Roger runs away after blowing up the gym because he was not allowed on the basketball team. Father Clifford Daniels witnesses the escape and decides to tell Roger a story about his own youth. This opening event sets the frame for the moral and narrative journey that follows.

As a 10-year-old in the 1990s, Clifford is portrayed as an obnoxious and whiny child who never lets go of his toy dinosaur Steffen and dreams of visiting Dinosaur World, a theme park in Los Angeles. He clings to his imagination and resists attempts to discipline him. This childhood depiction foreshadows the conflicts that drive the adult storyline.

During a family flight to Honolulu, Clifford's antics provoke the pilot to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles. The disruption becomes the catalyst that brings Clifford into contact with his uncle Martin. This moment anchors the future consequences of his mischief.

Julian, Clifford's father, phones his brother Martin to arrange for Clifford to stay with him in Los Angeles. Martin hopes to prove he can handle children and win Sarah Davis's approval as a future spouse. He agrees, unaware of the chaos ahead.

Martin reveals he designed Larry the Scary Rex for Dinosaur World and can secure free entry. He promises to take Clifford there but must break the plan because Ellis wants him to redesign the transit system in two days. Clifford's excitement clashes with the looming deadline.

At a gas station, Clifford tries to slip away by posing as someone else's son in a dinosaur costume, but Martin catches him. Martin then informs Clifford that the Dinosaur World trip is canceled. The moment marks a turning point in their relationship.

Enraged, Clifford humiliates Martin during Sarah's parents' wedding anniversary with several pranks. Clifford calls in a fake bomb threat to city hall, using audio from Martin, and Martin is arrested. He is released on bail, and Clifford is scolded to write a confession to the police.

Clifford tricks Martin into chasing a train to San Francisco, where Sarah has traveled at Ellis's request to pursue her. The scheme pulls Martin away from his obligations and deepens the rift between him and Clifford. The plan demonstrates Clifford's growing manipulative cunning.

Back at Martin's home, Clifford hosts a party for strangers in exchange for a trip to Dinosaur World. The stunt is an attempt to secure the coveted ride and to showcase his ability to orchestrate excitement. The party spirals into a chaotic but revealing moment.

Martin returns to find Clifford tied up in his room; Sarah frees him and takes him with her, signaling a temporary shift in control. The episode underscores the consequences of Clifford's reckless behavior. It also foreshadows a pivotal confrontation.

Martin arrives late to Ellis's presentation of the new transit system, and the city model, rigged by Clifford, explodes. The catastrophe costs Martin his job and crystallizes the personal and professional ruin caused by Clifford's actions. The moment marks a severe turning point for Martin's character.

A now psychotic Martin kidnaps Clifford from Sarah's house and takes him to Dinosaur World after hours, forcing him to ride Larry the Scary Rex. After the first ride, Clifford seems to enjoy himself, so Martin increases the speed until the ride malfunctions. Clifford is left dangling above the jaws of a robotic dinosaur while Martin rants about the cost of Clifford's mischief, only to eventually rescue him.

Father Clifford reveals that he was devastated by Martin's words and sent 287 apology letters to him, all of which were returned unopened. He uses this memory to illustrate the cycle of regret and the search for forgiveness. The episode anchors the present-day moral lesson.

Clifford reveals that Sarah and Martin were married and that he was invited as the ring bearer. Through a gesture from Sarah, Martin finally forgives Clifford and gives him a kiss on the head. The moment offers a resolution to the central family conflict.

Moved by the tale, Roger decides to write 287 letters asking for forgiveness. Father Clifford takes Steffen out of his pocket and declares the mission accomplished, signaling a hopeful new chapter. The closing moment ties back to the dinosaur companion who has witnessed the journey.