Teen Mom, one of the best series MTV has ever aired, came to a close last night. And while the teens have matured significantly throughout the show's run, the end doesn't signify that their problems have been solved.

The kids in this show don't have all the answers. And when it comes to the important decisions, they need guidance to steer them through what may be the most difficult tests of their lives. That's why a teen mom needs a real mom (or dad) to give them words of wisdom when times are tough, when they get down, or when they just need simple words of encouragement—someone to put things in perspective, to guide them in the right direction. And that is exactly what they all sought last night.

Gary and Amber

Amber started working her part-time job as a receptionist at a beauty salon, and while last week's episode ended on a high note with her doing the lindyhop on cloud 9 because she got the job, the finale began with reality once again rearing its ugly head. Amber, determined to go it alone, is currently trying to finish her GED, work part-time, pay her bills, and take care of that oh-so demanding baby at the same time. Independence seems to come at a price, and Amber—although willing—isn't able to afford it. Yet she refuses to ask Gary for hand-outs anymore.

But Gary isn't living the swinging life of a single bachelor either. He has his own set of problems, none of which involve having to get up off the couch! While Amber constantly struggles to make ends meet, Gary is (relatively) comfortable financially, working his mystery job (what the hell does he do?). His problems aren't financial, they're 100% emotional: Gary's lonely. So so so lonely! He has his baby to look after once in a while, but that baby just isn't the same without Amber taking care of it while he lies down on the couch and watches TV. So Gary confides in his mom (a huge theme this episode), admitting that he wants, nay, needs to get Amber back. The life of a (potential) playboy just isn't for him. Gary talks to his mother in a thoughtful, sensitive, melancholic tone. Surely Amber would take him back if he speaks to her the same way he speaks to his mother. Except that when he finally meets up with Amber to buy supplies for their daughter's first birthday party (Awww!) he simply lashes out at her. Control your feelings, Gary! Be genuine, tell her how you feel, and most importantly, try to be vertical more than 5% of the day; she'll be putty in your hands.

Gary is a little confused by how to deal with Amber, as shown by his two very distinctive sides. The first is nice Gary:

And the other is mean Gary:

So Gary and Amber end the first season of Teen Mom just how they started: fighting. Sighhhh.

Farrah

Farrah, oddly enough, has the same problems as Gary: a life of solitude and soul-crushing loneliness.

She has struggled with her identity all season long. She realizes that she's in a situation where she's too "old" to hang out with other 17-year-olds who don't have babies, but she's too young to carry the weight of being a single mother. She's been trying to balance the two lives throughout the show resulting in constant fights with her parents and little success. So Farrah's mother—who I am now completely convinced is a member of a cult (it's the crazy eyes)—offers to essentially care for Farrah's child as a father would. Farrah begrudgingly agrees, as she finally comes to the realization that sluttin' it up with guys is not the best for the life of her child. So she will spend her time taking care of Sophia, finishing college, not sluttin' it up, and resisting the urge to join a cult. Thank goodness.

Maci and Ryan

While Gary and Amber's relationship can be thought of as a trainwreck in super slow motion, Maci and Ryan's is a jet engine propelled tank hurtling towards two tons of dynamite with a lit fuse on top of a nuclear warhead—with Southern accents. I don't know if it's MTV's editing, or if it's really the case, but not only is Ryan unfit for parenthood, he is unfit for existence. I give Gary a lot of flack for being lazy, but I (wrongly) overlooked Ryan all season. Actually, laziness doesn't even begin to describe this bumbling blob of a person who just so happens to be blessed with a rugged jawline. I swear, the reason I overlooked Ryan is because of his jaw. A rugged jawline will get a man farther along in this world than almost anything; it's the equivalent of a perky C-cup on a girl. It's a weapon, and it covers up all sins. And believe me, his sins are numerous. This is Ryan winning the Father of the Year award if the ceremony was held by Satan:

Obviously, Maci needs to get out of this relationship. He's mean, he's lazy, he's selfish, and he doesn't give two shits about his own child. She turns to her friends—who all obviously despise Ryan—and they tell her to dump that zero. Maci begrudgingly (but correctly) takes their advice and heart-wrenchingly breaks up with Ryan. Ryan, being an idiot, doesn't understand why.

Catelynn and Tyler

While a lot happens during the Finale of Teen Mom, the episode belongs to Tyler. He is the unsung hero of the show. The man is a saint. He and Catelynn are finally coming to terms with giving their child up for adoption, to where they can look at the situation as a cause for happiness. They are walking proof that adoption is a very viable option, and it's really heartwarming. But let's get down to the real issue, and that is Tyler's proposal. Tyler first needs the blessing from his father and Catelynn's mother. Tyler's father Butch and his mullet-braid of wisdom thinks it's nothing more than puppy love, but he goes ahead and gives Tyler his blessing anyway. And as an aside, Tyler's father and Amber's father NEED to be drinking buddies:

After Butch's seal of approval, Tyler asks Catelynn's drug-addled mother April for her blessing as well. April says she is more than happy to allow Tyler to marry her daughter, then asks if he's got any meth (Just kidding! Hopefully!).

So the blessings are in place, the ring is bought, and the stage is set. Tyler is ready to take Catelynn out to the fanciest hamburger dinner she's ever had—but there's a problem—he, nor his father, can tie his stupid tie. And it is fucking adorable. It takes an instructional video and three people to unlock the mystery of how to tie Tyler's tie. And in an odd way, it sums up their relationship. The tie—a symbol of adulthood and maturity—is a mystery to Tyler. But between Tyler and Catelynn, they can work together to solve any problem in a mature and thoughtful manner no matter how important (giving a baby up for adoption) or trivial (tying a necktie).

Unfortunately, the mystery of Tyler's tie may have actually outshined the proposal itself. At the restaurant Tyler pulled out the biggest box to ever hold an engagement ring, broke down in the sweetest way possible, and asked Catelynn to be his wife. Assuming Catelynn would break down as well (they always cry together), her reaction is all smiles and happiness and she of course says yes and I can't help but be a little disappointed. Tyler is crying, you should cry too, Catelynn! You don't know how lucky you are! Cry, dammit! AGHHHH!

But it is nice that MTV wrapped-up this (amazing) show on such a high note. There has been so much heartache, and these poor kids have spent more than enough time dealing with a life they aren't ready for. But they're trying their best to keep their head above water, and I can't help but admit that I'm rooting for all of them.

MTV: Teen Mom