Moment pages are Spoilers Off per site policy. You Have Been Warned.
General
- Scrooge’s entire relationship with Webby is made of heartwarming. He allows her to call him "Uncle Scrooge" even though they’re not related, and every time he calls her "me darlin' Webbigail," it’s so clear that he loves her and she loves him just as much as any family member. In fact, in one episode when Webby goes missing, some side characters refer to her as Scrooge's niece. Scrooge never corrects them. As far as he's concerned, he is her uncle.
- Launchpad and Doofus’s friendship can be counted as heartwarming in general. Even when the whole world is picking on him, Doofus still believes in Launchpad till the end, and Launchpad is very affectionate and protective towards his "little buddy." This is especially adorable considering that not a lot of other people in Duckburg seem to really want the youngster around. With this in mind, it's no wonder Doofus thinks Launchpad is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
- The whole series, especially the episodes with Donald, proves that although Donald and his nephews drive each other crazy sometimes, they truly love each other! It may be because his work with the Navy keeps him away, but when Donald does appear the boys are positively thrilled to see him and are usually on their best behavior for his sake.
- The True Companionship between the members of the McDuck household. The various members come from a variety of different backgrounds with different personalities. Yet Scrooge and the boys are very benevolent to their staff, and the others have stuck their necks out to help and protect their bosses even when it goes above and beyond the call of duty.
- Scrooge's on-and-off habit of calling Launchpad "lad" or "my boy" comes off as quite affectionate when the viewer remembers that's what he calls the triplets (and other male family members).
- Scrooge and Donald are on much better terms here than they are in the comics. Donald is even Scrooge's best man at his (attempted) wedding.
- "Don't Give Up the Ship" is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
- Donald leaves for the Navy and leaves his three nephews in the care of his Uncle Scrooge. But before he goes, he gives them a little farewell speech.
- When Scrooge shows up and tries to dissuade Donald, Donald says that he's already enlisted and wants to see the world. Then he tells him to take care of his nephews and that he chose Scrooge to take care of them because he's the only one he trusts his nephews with.
- Throughout the first half of the episode, the kids misbehave and Scrooge just ignores or scolds them, at one point questioning Donald's parenting skills. Immediately, the kids get pretty defensive over their Uncle Donald.
- After they overhear Scrooge tell his butler how troublesome they are, they run away from home, hoping to go back to Donald. What they don't hear after they've left is Scrooge admitting how much they remind him of himself at that age - tough, quick-thinking, resourceful - and resolves to make it up to them in the morning.
- As Scrooge is having a TV interview over his industrial growth, a reporter notes how his family must be proud of his success. At this point, Scrooge stammers, unable to quite divulge on the subject. Eventually he admits his life has actually been pretty lonely until his nephews came along, at which point it comes to him, he has "the boys," speaking proudly and eagerly of their spunk and likeness to himself, unaware that at this very moment they are indeed vigorously trying to protect one of his treasures from the Beagle Boys.
- Once he's recovered the ship, Scrooge tells his nephews to get to safety while he deals with the Beagle Boys:Huey: (saluting) No sir, Uncle Scrooge!
Dewey: (saluting) We're all in this...
Louie: (saluting) Together!
Scrooge: Good lads!
- After Launchpad crashes and goes missing during the race with Armstrong, the triplets stand at the starting line waiting for him even after it gets dark. It takes direct urging from Duckworth to get them back to the mansion.
- When Launchpad finally returns after the race, Duckworth tells him they were all very concerned and tells him to go inform Scrooge and the boys that he's okay.
- A subtle one but a key reason Armstrong gets caught out is because of his impersonation of Gyro rather curtly telling the triplets to leave him alone. Rather than driving them away, it just makes them suspicious something is up, because Gyro isn't one to talk to the boys that way.
- When Armstrong was serving hot chocolate, he only provided one marshmallow (down from the two that Duckworth previously provided) in each mug due to it being more efficient (i.e. cheaper). When Duckworth goes back to serving hot chocolate, he gives two marshmallows to everyone except Scrooge, who gets zero. Scrooge tells Duckworth that "Inefficiency has its place, but not in my hot chocolate!". This leads to Duckworth giving Scrooge two marshmallows, followed by an unexpected third.
- After spending the whole episode with the boys fawning over Major Courage, Launchpad takes control of the situation and saves their lives on the Kronks' spaceship. Locking the Kronks in the transporter room, he tells Huey, Dewey, and Louie to keep an eye on the door while he goes to the bridge to catch up to the Phoenix. The boys immediately answer, "Yes, sir!" Launchpad has finally proven himself.
- Doofus, who earlier on was worried his hero was becoming a jealous Jerkass over Courage, makes sure to apologise to Launchpad for doubting him and gives him a pep talk when he has to take command of alien flying controls.Launchpad: Look at this screwy contraption. I don't know if I can fly it.Doofus: You can fly anything, Launchpad. You're a great pilot.Launchpad: Thanks Doofus. And you're a great sidekick.
- Magica DeSpell uses real-life images of Uncle Scrooge & co.'s worst fears to descend upon them. For Uncle Scrooge, this takes the form of being told by Huey, Dewey and Louie that they secretly can't stand him and resent having to live with him. In the end, the way to drive off the nightmares turns out to be to confront them with reality.Uncle Scrooge: My boys love me, so you're not my boys!
- Note that his nightmare did not involve poverty. His love for his nephews is all he cared about.
- Meanwhile, the boys receive the reverse treatment - they're confronted by the image of Scrooge telling them that he doesn't want them around, and they're positively crushed. They only learn the truth when they go to tell him that they're going to find someplace else to live, and find out what he thinks they said to him. The raw relief and emotion as they all realize they've been duped, and the boys fling themselves into Scrooge's arms, is tear-inducing.
- And earlier, one of his nightmares involved seeing his money bin totally empty, and the bill collectors hounding him. He asks them what they'd possibly want since all of his money is gone. They state that they'll take his nephews away from him. His worst fear was losing his boys over his money.
- Scrooge and Glomgold hate each other as much as ever. Still, when it looks like Glomgold was slammed into a plane by a heavy rock slab, Scrooge still calls out to see if he's all right.
- As Scrooge is racing across the desert, tired and thirsty, he comforts himself by thinking that at least his nephews will be taken care of if he doesn't make it home. Then he realizes that if Glomgold gets to the djinni's lamp first, he'll leave his nephews with nothing. That motivates him to keep going.
- The McQuacks are just such an adorably happy, supportive family. It's noticeable practically from their first moment onscreen, but it reaches a peak of sweetness at the ending. See part of it here.
◊Ripcord: Launchpad, I'm so proud of —Launchpad: Mom and Loopy. I know, I know, Dad. I just wish you were proud of me, but —Ripcord: Launchpad, will ya shut your beak and listen to me for just one minute? I'm so proud of ya, I'm about to explode. But ya never give me the chance to say so.Launchpad: R-r-really? You're not just saying that?Birdy: Oh, we're all proud of you, Launchpad.Ripcord: You're a McQuack, son, right down to your tailsection.
- Huey, Dewey, and Louie all talk about how they want to grow up to be just like Uncle Scrooge, and then argue over who's the most like him. Scrooge's proud look while steering the boat says it all.
- After Uncle Scrooge is missing after being stolen by the sea serpent, you can see one of the nephews comforting Webby and even rubbing her back even while they are all crying.
- Dogface Pete is introduced as a swaggering thug and sinister figure. Then, at the end of the episode, it turns out that he's working to rid the seas of the dangerous monster. He expresses happiness to see Scrooge alive after his apparent death and gives Scrooge a weapon to use in the battle. He also thanks the kids for their help during the battle.
- The boys' treatment of Webby here. Whereas other epsidoes have them resent when she tags along, here they're fully supportive of her in heras a freshman Junior Woodchuck, and take it in stride when she overcomes them at the sailing course (they were more focused on having fun while she, as a newcomer, was determined to get a new badge). For that matter, their treatment of Doofus compared to how they acted in Superdoo. Unlike there, they're fully accepting of him as a member and never make fun of him (also, his badges imply he eventually overcame his clumsiness to improve as a Woodchuck).
- Ruthless pirate Blackheart Pete shows a surprisingly tender side when his crew throws him a birthday party, sincerely thanking them for presents like a single shoe (he has a peg leg). Then, when the Beagle Boys sing a barbershop quartet song about how Even Bad Men Love Their Mamas, Pete and his men don't take long to start bawling their eyes out.
- Scrooge and the Beagle Boys having a rare Enemy Mine moment is surprisingly nice, especially given that neither party ever tries to double-cross the other.
- While it takes on a sourer note after Scrooge's Gold Fever almost overwhelms him, it's sweet that Launchpad agrees to be the harpies' "big deipno" (even though he's rattled by what's happened so far) because he knows how important getting the Fleece is to Scrooge and wants him to be happy.
- Scrooge willingly gives up the golden fleecing to save Launchpad, who was about to be eaten by a dragon. It's underlined by his words a few moments later.Harpy #1: I don't believe it!Harpy #2: Look what you've done!Scrooge: I had no choice. He was about to roast my friend.
- Listening to Scrooge tell the story of how he decided to leave his family behind in his native country in the hopes of a better future in a foreign country will tug at the heartstrings of anyone who went through a similar experience, or whose family had told them of their trials and tribulations of starting all over again in a new country.
- Scrooge tells the story of how he developed his fortune, with his nephews constantly asking him if that was when he got rich. Finally, at the end, he tells them he only felt rich when the boys and Webby came to live with him and he had a family and then they all go for a swim in Scrooge's money vault, together. There's something beautiful about that.
- Scrooge, Launchpad, and the kids sleeping in the small tent together, huddled together with the boys snoring adorably and Webby cuddled between Scrooge and Launchpad. The peaceful scene is quite cute.
- The whole episode, but especially Donald's choked final statement:"You are the best nephews I could ever have."
- Then there's the moment when the nephews learn that Donald made up all his stories of heroism. Instead of getting upset that he lied to them, they immediately realise that he just wanted them to be proud of him, and decide that they ARE proud of him, before trying to make him a hero for real.
- When the mission hasn't gone exactly the way it was supposed to, Mrs. Beakley reminds Scrooge (who has narrowly escaped a potential demise) that the most important thing is, "we still have you."
- The animated version may have been drastically changed, but the ending is just too sweet and beautiful and genuinely romantic not to make your heart melt.Scrooge: You didn't steal my gold, but I'm afraid you've stolen my heart.
Scrooge's Pet
- While it was badly timed, Launchpad's story near the end reveals how much he sees Scrooge as his friend rather than just his boss. On hearing that the older duck was sick, he brought him Breakfast in Bed...which unfortunately didn't go so well.
- Scrooge had a Papa Wolf moment when he realizes if Glomgold wins the lamp, he won't leave his family with a dime and continues on his journey for their sake. Scrooge may be greedy, but you can tell he truly cares for his family more than all the money in the world.Scrooge: (panting) ...I hope the boys are all right... If...if I don't make it... at... at least they'll be well taken care of... (gasps) But... but if Glomgold gets those three wishes, he won't leave them with a dime! I've got to make it!
- After Scrooge fires him, Launchpad is feeling down and Doofus spends the whole episode trying to pick him up.
- Scrooge finds out that Launchpad is the Webbed Wonder. He is overwhelmed with guilt, believing he pushed him into a life of crime. From then on he is determined to find Launchpad first since he knows that if the police find him, Launchpad will be locked up for life.
- When Scrooge arrives to tell the police not to shoot, Launchpad is so touched that Scrooge still believes in him and becomes even more determined to get his money back. It's also rather adorable that Launchpad isn't concerned at this point about the repercussions for him so much as he is the repercussions for Scrooge and Doofus if he can't put things right.
- While potentially sad as well, Scrooge's desperation to save his ex-employee from his own mistake and his anguish when he fails demonstrates loud and clear that the pilot isn't just a source of cheap labor or a verbal punching bag to him. His Heroic BSoD at apparently seeing Launchpad die despite his best efforts is one of the only times he reacts so drastically about anything other than his money.
- At the end of the episode, Scrooge doesn’t even blame Launchpad for the robberies, understanding that his friend was tricked.
- Doofus has been having a rather bad day, never being able to match his fellow Woodchucks and being mocked by them for his faults. Tired and discouraged, he plods up to Launchpad, who takes the moment to bend down and give his "little buddy" a pep talk, which succeeds in cheering him up.
- Scrooge slowly earns the respect of his burly cellmate, punctuated when he manages to arrange a visit from the man's mother. In return, he attempts to bust Scrooge out of jail. While it's a short-sighted act, you have to commend his sheer determination to give Scrooge his freedom as payback for his kindness.
- No one in Scrooge's family and employment believe he could have stolen the painting, even with the very incriminating evidence against him.
The Right Duck
- At the end of the episode, Launchpad, giving an acceptance speech for the honor Duckburg is giving him over having saved the Earth from the threat of a Martian bomb, calls Doofus up on the stage to share the honor, saying that, "He believed in me when everyone else thought I was an idiot. It's thanks to him I'm a hero." The TV spot ends with Doofus hugging Launchpad.
- Mrs. Beakley and Duckworth insist on the sick Scrooge getting the rest he needs, even though he doesn't want to take the day off and could very possibly be angry with them.
- Even though he snarks at him at the same time, Scrooge gives Launchpad the bed after he gets freaked out from seeing the dullahan and helps Webby pull the covers over him.
- At the end of the episode, Scrooge tells Launchpad that he's the one pilot he knows can accomplish the impossible, and that he doesn't know what he would do without him.
- Future Doofus and Webby give up all their life savings, as well as their house, to pay Scrooge's bail. And this was after (from their perspective) his disappearance for forty years and turning up completely out of the blue!
- Seeing Huey, Dewey, and Louie become Corrupt Corporate Exectutives in the Bad Future is terrible, no doubt. They cut corners, ruthlessly crush opposition, and willingly work with Magica de Spell to bleed Duckburg dry. Except...when Magica reveals the fugitive they're chasing is their beloved Uncle Scrooge, and she was the one who made him disappear forty years ago, all three of them instantly turn on her.
Till Nephews Do Us Part
- Even though Scrooge's wedding to Millionara was a terrible idea, it's sweet that every one of Scrooge's friends and family is somehow included in either the wedding itself or the guest list. Fans who felt Donald got the short straw by being Put on a Bus will note with pleasure that he got the important position of best man.
Time is Money
- When he hears that Bubba is supposed to be The Chosen One who will save Tupei from barbarians, Scrooge puts his foot down and says he won't have a child facing that kind of danger alone. He never intended to take Bubba back with him and doesn't even like the kid at this point, but he still feels the drive to protect him.
- In the end of the story arc that introduced Bubba ("Ali Bubba's Cave"), Bubba loses his cave in the present day when the steam cannon used to get the diamonds in the cave to Scrooge destroys the cave in the process (and Bubba had already given his life in the past up for Scrooge and the boys). Seeing how badly Bubba misses this last link to his past, Scrooge takes Bubba in and gives him a mock-up of the cave for Tootsie and Bubba to live in.
- A subtle one. When we first meet Fenton, he complains that no one knows his name at his job. When we first meet Gandra Dee, not only does she calls him by his first name, but also we learn that she sought him out because he had made the counting record - but his boss never told him because he didn't know Fenton's name. It goes to show, as she said at the end of the episode, she really did like him when he was only a bean counter. Too bad he never had the courage to ask her out.
- Launchpad letting everyone stay at his home after the Beagle Boys rob Scrooge of his money and then take the mansion from him. It becomes more heartwarming when you remember that back in "Down and Out in Duckburg," when Scrooge had also lost both his wealth and home, he was afraid of going to Launchpad for help because he believed that Launchpad wouldn't want to give him the time of day anymore now that he was poor. Looks like he underestimated Mr. McQuack.Launchpad: Feel free to crash here; I do it all the time! I know it's cramped, but what's important is that we're together!
- Scrooge's reaction. He's just had an absolutely horrible day, having lost everything to the Beagle Boys, and Scrooge is short-tempered enough under normal circumstances. But he thanks Launchpad, his tone indicating that he knows Launchpad has given them all the help he can — and much more than he's obliged to.
- After Launchpad succeeds in push-starting the ship and somehow getting from fin to cockpit before the ship plunges into the robot planet's molten metal, Scrooge remarks that Launchpad never stops amazing him.
- The conclusion. For most of the first two episodes prior to becoming Gizmoduck, Fenton is just up screwing up worse and worse and is starting to be seen in-universe by Scrooge as The Load. In the final part, where the Money Bin is stolen by some robots that want to melt it and everything with it down in order to create more robots, their leader MEL exposes Fenton as Gizmoduck and sentences him and Scrooge to be executed. Scrooge loses all faith at this point, but Fenton manages to single-handedly defeat MEL without the use of his Gizmoduck suit by simply using his natural talents to show up his supposed superior computing skills, and then manages to rescue Scrooge and Launchpad and recover the Money Bin. After the trio return to Earth and the Money Bin is replaced, Scrooge proudly tells him to show up to work the next morning. Fenton has finally earned Scrooge's respect. Fenton/Gizmoduck racing out of the Bin yelling that he's two somebodies tops it off.
- When Webby is kidnapped by the Beagle Babes, Webby demands they tell her a story, but they tell it wrong so Webby tells them her own sweet version and they fall asleep.
- When M’ma thinks her son will never come to see her again thanks to her mistreatment to him, she breaks down in tears and rushes off to a mother-son therapy. (Too bad it's actually a trick of the Beagle Boys.)
- In the same episode, Fenton is so touched to hear that she did so and breaks down in tears when she goes missing.
- After her prediction gets Gizmoduck captured, Fenton and his M'ma have the sweetest conversation which would be a Tear Jerker if he hadn't survived.Mrs. Crackshell: Oh, Gizmoduck, I am so sorry.Fenton/Gizmoduck: Don't blame yourself, Madam. I only regret I'm unable to tell my mother how much I'll miss her.Mrs. Crackshell: Not half as much as she'll miss you.Fenton/Gizmoduck: [his voice cracking] Really?!
- At the end when M’ma's powers vanish, Fenton is so happy to get his M’ma back and they finally go on the picnic that he was so eager to get to.
- When Fenton gets his girlfriend Gandra Dee to model for the Pep commercials, she complies when Fenton tells her she is beautiful. Too bad that this is one of those occasions where Gandra is at her worst, since she later snaps at Fenton when everyone backlashes to Pep causing everyone to become weightless.
- When Scrooge gets his memory back and Mrs. Crackshell learns the homeless amnesiac she took in is actually the richest duck in the world, she assumes he won't be interested in her anymore. Even though he's back to his old self, though, Scrooge assures her he has no intention of canceling their plans tonight, and the episode ends with the two of them walking off arm in arm.
- The triplets' sheer determination that Mrs. Beakley will have nice things on her birthday, even if they have to fight their uncle every step of the way to make him spring for them rather than the much worse (and cheaper) items he wants, is very sweet.
- Scrooge falls under a love spell that has him ignoring his family and his business. Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webbigail find out the way to break the spell is to threaten to take away something that the person truly loves. So what do they do? Trick Scrooge into thinking he'll lose his wealth if he stays with the woman he's with. However, it doesn't work, and Scrooge seems to part with his money willingly. It's only when the kids' lives are in danger that Scrooge snaps out of his spell in order to save the children.
- Scrooge isn't the only one who gets a heartwarming protective moment. When a shark attacks the party, Launchpad, despite his terror, draws it after himself so Scrooge can get the boys and Webby to safety. Later, he keeps Vulcan from frying Scrooge while he's trying to help the kids and tells the older duck to escape while he distracts Vulcan.
- For all the flack Gandra Dee gets for being seen as a Satellite Love Interest who is at times excruciatingly ungrateful to her boyfriend, after Fenton becomes sick for real after spending the episode feigning illness to trick Scrooge into letting him off work early so he can take a vacation, Gandra is seen taking care of him.
