Ambitions

Ambitions is a dynamic and multi-faceted drama series from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) that started airing in 2019. The show features an ensemble cast led by Robin Givens and Essence Atkins. This elegant, power-packed series gives viewers a peek into a world marked by swirling alliances, hidden betrayals, scandalous secrets, and twisted relationships–– all tightly entwined in a riveting narrative of love, lust, and power.

The charming and ambitious Robin Givens stars as 'Stephanie Carlisle', a senior attorney who belongs to a prestigious law firm in Atlanta. The law firm principally serves the rich and powerful, dealing with high-stakes legal battles and corporate negotiations. Stephanie is not just a powerful attorney but she comes from an influential family that holds significant power in Atlanta’s political scene. Stephanie's marriage to the city mayor 'Evan Lancaster', played by Brian White, adds more complexity to her life as it is revealed that it is not love but mutual benefits that bind them together.

On the other side of the spectrum is Essence Atkins who portrays 'Amara Hughes', a U.S. Attorney, Stephanie's old college friend and now, a fierce adversary. Essence Atkins delicately balances Amara's driven professional life with a complicated personal life. Around these formidable women, a cast of characters orbit, each with their own set of ambitions, secrets, and moral compasses.

Brian J. White plays Stephanie's husband 'Evan Lancaster', a charismatic but devious mayor who desires to climb further up the political ladder. He is audaciously ambitious, but his link to organized crime, and a penchant for infidelity, threatens to unsettle his political career and destabilize his marriage. Kendrick Cross personifies 'Titus Hughes', Amara’s highly principled husband, who is a city engineer and is constantly pulled between his devotion to his wife and morals.

Another highlight of the show is Brely Evan’s character, 'Rondell Lancaster’, Evan’s sister and the manager of ‘Thelma's Place,’ a historic Atlanta diner. She is headstrong and fiercely protective of her community and the diner, defying the greedy real estate developers who intend to gentrify the neighborhood.

Amidst these powerful personalities, a multitude of intersecting storylines abound, exploring themes like power, corruption, love, betrayal, and the challenging complexities of ambition versus morality. These intense narratives are sometimes set in courtrooms, sometimes on the political stage, and perpetually in the murky waters of personal relationships.

The high-value production is unravelled within the context of Southern wealth, politics, and influence, and treats the audience to the lavish and unique aesthetics of Atlanta. It gives us a unique insight into how deeply ambition is reflected in every prism of this world.

The allure of ‘Ambitions’ lies not just in its high-stakes storylines, but also in its complex characters who are perfectly imperfect, each having a blend of vices and virtues that make them human and relatable. Their actions and decisions often leave the audience questioning their stand on ethics, loyalty, love, ambition, and power.

Ambitions’ is written and produced by Jamey Giddens, and executive produced by Will Packer, famous for box-office hits like ‘Girls Trip,’ and ‘Think Like A Man.’ Sheila Ducksworth, who has carved a niche in the field of popular television shows, serves as a co-executive producer, making the show a synthesis of brilliant minds lending their expertise.

Moreover, 'Ambitions' exceptionally stands out with its diverse representation and predominantly African-American cast, something OWN is notably recognized for, which adds more richness and depth to the series. It lets the audience into a world that is under-represented in popular culture, and does so using a storyline and characters that are universally understandable and relatable.

In summary, Ambitions is a riveting drama series that defines a fresh narrative in the television realm. Its complex characters, thrilling plot, and themes of power and morality offer a compelling viewing experience. The exquisite backdrop of high society combined with the brilliance of Robin Givens, Essence Atkins, and the rest of the ensemble enhance the overall allure of the show, making it an irresistible watch.