The Athena

- Season 1

(2019)

It's Nyela Malik's first day at the Athena College of Visual Arts. She used to be a famous model - can she reinvent herself as a fashion designer? She's paired to work with a wary and standoffish Leigh Howles, who learns about Nyela's fall from grace thanks to bullying designer Oscar Beerfeld and an unlikely friendship forms. Sam Warner, specialising in jewellery design, seems to like her, too - and she makes some progress with her work after a shaky start - The Athena is going to be awesome.

At the Athena, Nyela sees all the cliques and groups that have already formed - but can she find her own gang of friends? She's hopeful when she's teamed with Neisha, Leigh and Sam to make a film about teenagers, but the group end up working individually. Nyela realises teenagers aren't all one thing, so she and the others edit all of their films to make one that represents this idea. Nyela's hanging out with her tribe - Leigh, Lenny, Sam, Neisha - when she gets the offer of a modelling job .

Nyela's doing a modelling job for a new label. The job is in Chippenham - Sam's hometown - so he gives her a lift. Nyela gets an offer to be the face of the fashion label but Sam's younger sister Nancy makes her realise where her heart truly lies. Nancy thinks that Sam and Nyela would make a cute couple, then Sam's ex-girlfriend, Satori, shows up - but although Nyela's dreams of a road trip romance don't quite come true in the way she hoped, maybe she's made a step in the right direction?

Leigh is horrified when she unwittingly agrees to a date with Lenny. She tells him she doesn't do dates, then rejects him when he serenades her to try and win her round. After admitting to Nyela that she's not very good with people and never has been, and dealing with a humiliated Neisha who's failed to get Sam's attention, Leigh realises she needs to be more open to others, and tells Lenny that she does like him and would be willing to hang out some time - even though it won't be a date.

Neisha and Nyela team up to design a red carpet gown. To win Neisha decides to help their luck by sabotaging some other classmates. Lenny and Leigh go on an awkward date.

Halloween at the athena. Everyone's excited to go.. or aren't they? Sam bakes a cookie and sartori has a surprise for him. Nyela faces her fears.

Nyela tried to find some redeeming qualities in Jamie. Satori is officially enrolled in the Athena. Lenny pleads with Sam to find out what Nyela really feels. A photography assignment reveals all.

Leigh says the three little words every guy wants to hear... every guy but Lenny that is! He fears the end of a relationship whenever those words are spoken. Deciding to make the best of it, they go out for a final date. But can you really just forget the one you love?

Satori makes clear she does not like Nyela. Sam works on a commission for a client, which is not allowed at the Athena. Miju has a meeting at the model agency. Sam makes it clear he misses Nyela... as a friend.

Lexi arranges a date for Nyela. Her first date. With a model, who only likes modelling. And moisturiser. Even though they have little in common, Nyela brings him to a school party. At least he's good looking! Sam and Lenny perform with the band. Lenny finds out whom Leigh kissed and is unpleasantly surprised.

All of a sudden satori is everyone's best friend. Nyela does not feel happy when Satori posts online about her evening with Leigh. After working together on a "window dressing" assignment however Leigh and Nyela make up. Lenny and Leigh find their way back to each other and Satori still hasn't told Sam about her kissing someone else.

The midterm showcase is coming up and everyone wants a spot. After hearing she's perceived as a girl next door type, Nyela decides to spice her design up and think out of the box. Satori and Nyela visit a performance arts gallery together and satori lets her in on her big secret... meanwhile miju is fired from the modelling agency. The showcase results are published and Nyela finds a perfect shoulder to cry on.

A summary of all things good in Nyela's life does not do her much good when she interferes with Neisha's guest list for the midterm show at the Athena. Sam calls Nyela out for going on a date with model Matt, thinking it was a real date. Before Nyela can clear everything up, everything escalates and the friendships and trust in the group are irreparably damaged. The next morning, Ally the teacher from the Athena has a devastating message for Nyela.

Nyela gets a job that isn't all that it seems. Lexi decides to become just friends with the hot new plumber. Leigh and Lenny are at crossroads.

Nyela decides to go home... for a visit or forever? But then fate plays a trick and she meets an old friend. Neisha meets her father who kindly offers to pay for her tuition - if she changes her ways. But being 'just Nelly' does not come easily. Lexi and Dale visit a football match. As friends.

Nyla is trying desperately to get back into the Athena. Leigh feels left out and alone and Nysha and Sam develop a strange friendship over some ducks.

Leigh does not want to be friends with anyone anymore. Sam makes amends and everyone gathers at Leigh's bedside when she needs them most. Neisha feels left out in the beautiful set stage made by the group for A winter's tale.

Nyela explores her feelings for Lenny. Is it love? Or is it like?! When the class are asked to create custom made jackets for each other, there are some surprises there. Leigh am Nyela decide to do over Lenny's birthday party... the right way. They run into unexpected problems when trying to get Lenny's band back together.

Nyela has made up her mind. She is finally going to tell Sam how she feels about him. Timing is everything! Neisha has plans of her own...involving Sam. When all the confusion has settled, Nyela gets a chance to express her feelings. But will it lead to her desired fairy tale ending?

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Nyela's father and little sister come to visit. But things are not the same between the sisters and Nyela is very disappointed. Lexi finds her awesomesauce is lacking since she has a boyfriend and struggles to find it back.

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Nyela gets ready to move to New York. Graduation projects are presented and Leigh gets an interesting and unexpected proposal. Lenny overcomes his doubts about being able to perform with a serious injury and Neisha finds out why Jamie really wanted to be friends. Lexie succeeds in securing a spot at the Athena and after some song and dance, this season comes to an end...