There’s some calm in this installment as the ladies get introspective.
The drama was at an all-time low this episode and I think a break from the shrill confrontations that have loaded down this season came at a perfect time lest we start thinking there’s no value in even watching this show unless someone does something stupid and gets confronted about it.. loudly.
It’s one thing when reality shows cover train wreck participants who only have to live with themselves in the aftermath of bad behavior. It’s entirely another thing when a show about teen moms starts to get defined by its screaming matches – often in front of small kids – because there’s no joy in that watching that scenario. So editorially “Terrible Twos” really served as a time out for all the moms as they were rather ordinary in their endeavors this week.
Catelynn left Tyler for the weekend to attend her second annual birthmother retreat with other young women who had given birth and participated in open adoptions. Catelynn brought Paige, a friend who also recently gave her child up for adoption, and they opened up to one another about how challenging it’s been to define themselves as “good parents” when their only proactive choice was to give their children up so they could have better lives.
It’s poignant and heavy stuff for 17-year-olds to be pondering and processing which is why the retreat is really a haven of girls who get what they are all going through. Catelynn confided in Jen, the retreat founder, that she feels like she’s doing a bad job staying in contact with their adoptive family. Jen helped her realize that after visits with her daughter, that’s she’s experiencing the grieving process again for the growing child she doesn’t recognize.
Meanwhile Farrah decides to get a puppy to celebrate her graduation and culinary associate’s degree. “She says she’s never popping out any more kids so a puppy will give Sophia a sibling. As usual, Farrah doesn’t think much through aside from the dog being cute and fun for her daughter. Candy, the puppy, gets home and pees on the carpet instead of the toilet bowl that Farrah hung her over for 30 seconds. Gee, I wonder why the puppy didn’t get the suggestion?
Who trains any animal that way except in a cartoon? Farrah also tries to hide Candy from her mom but that is blown by Sophia hilariously repeating “doggie” to anyone and everyone she sees. Surprisingly, it’s a non-issue for mom after she nags a tiny bit so Candy stays.
Maci continues to hand off Bentley for his weekly visitations. On this occasion, Ryan’s mom picks up her grandson and sees Kyle at the residence. Back at home, she immediately tells Ryan what she observed and asks if Kyle lives with Maci. I know every situation has two perspectives but it’s pretty appalling the way Ryan’s mom and dad almost gleefully stir-up their son’s anger about Maci’s actions.
They do have a point that a rotation of boyfriends shouldn’t be part of Bentley’s young life, but Kyle is a good kid who loves that little boy. If their agenda is to get Bentley into their arms more often, they’re doing it in a sneaky, unproductive way. It’s Ryan and Maci’s business and they should back off. Fired up by his parents, Ryan confronts Maci about her living situation and doesn’t get upset when she admits Kyle does live with her permanently now. However, it looks like it may end up being the final straw in pushing Ryan to sue for custody.
Lastly, Gary decides to punish Amber for her (smart) decision not to work on their relationship and just stay in their own neutral corners for a while. He pettily tells her that he doesn’t want her at Leah’s birthday party, which crushes Amber. Gary might have won some sympathy if he didn’t go out clubbing the night before the party, wake up with a hangover and basically let his mother and family put the party together. When Amber comes over to get Leah to take her out, she lets Gary have it and for once she’s actually right. Plus she didn’t go into a rage so at least she’s trying. Progress of any kind with these ladies is always good.