When you think of the Starz hit series Power, you usually think of Ghost’s sharp suits or Tommy’s unhinged loyalty. But if you really watched the mid-series transition, you know there’s one face that shifted the energy entirely. Ana de la Reguera. She didn't just walk onto the set; she brought a specific, cold-blooded elegance that the show hadn't seen from a female antagonist before.
Most people recognize her from the comedy classic Nacho Libre or the gritty world of Narcos. Honestly, seeing her jump into the role of Alicia Jiménez was a total curveball. It wasn’t just another cartel role. It was a power move for the series itself.
The Arrival of Alicia Jiménez
For the first few seasons, the Jiménez cartel was basically a ghost story. People talked about them in hushed tones. They were the looming threat that kept the established players looking over their shoulders. Then, in Season 4, we finally see the face of that threat.
Ana de la Reguera plays Alicia with this terrifying stillness. Unlike her brother Diego, who was more of a loose cannon, Alicia was the brains. She was the one making the cold calculations.
"She is the leader of the Jiménez Cartel, Ghost’s rival, and a dangerous and conniving opponent." — Screen Rant
The Jiménez siblings entered the fray at a time when the show needed a fresh injection of villainy. James "Ghost" St. Patrick was trying to go legit, but Alicia wasn't having it. She represented the old world he couldn't quite escape.
Why Ana de la Reguera Power Performance Was Different
Most villains in Power scream. They posturize. They make big, loud threats in nightclubs. Alicia was different. She was quiet.
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She played a woman who had to be twice as ruthless as the men around her just to keep her seat at the head of the table. You've got to appreciate the nuance Ana brought to that. It wasn't just "tough drug lady." It was a high-stakes chess match.
The chemistry—or rather, the friction—between her and characters like Dre Coleman changed the trajectory of Season 5. Alicia was the first major female villain in the series. That’s a huge milestone. Before her, the women were often victims of the game or trying to get out of it. Alicia was the game.
A Career of Versatility
It is kinda wild to think about Ana de la Reguera's range.
- She started in Mexican telenovelas like Azul.
- She became a household name in the US as Sister Encarnación in Nacho Libre.
- She played a revolutionary in Narcos.
- She pivoted to a high-stakes politician in Goliath.
And then she lands in the Power universe. It shows a level of "bilingual, bicoastal" professional muscle that most actors never achieve. She isn't just taking roles; she's building a legacy of playing women who refuse to be sidelined.
The Impact on the Power Universe
Alicia Jiménez didn't just show up to be a foil for Ghost. Her presence expanded the scope of the show. We went from local New York beefs to international cartel warfare.
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Her downfall was just as dramatic as her rise. Watching the legal system and the streets collide during her arc in Season 6 was peak television. It wasn't just about drugs; it was about the legal "power" she tried to wield through her lawyers and her status.
People often overlook how much her character influenced the spinoffs. The way Power Book IV: Force handles cartel politics owes a lot to the groundwork laid by the Jiménez family.
What You Might Have Missed
If you’re rewatching, pay attention to the scene where she and Diego punish a henchman for "sampling" the product. It’s brutal. It’s short. But it tells you everything you need to know about her version of management.
She doesn't value life; she values the bottom line.
Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer that she isn't talked about as much as Kanan or Lobos. She was just as effective, and frankly, way more stylish.
What’s Next for Ana de la Reguera?
While her time in the Power universe ended, her career has only accelerated. She’s moved into producing and directing, which makes sense. Someone who understands "power" that well on screen is bound to want it behind the camera too.
Her semi-autobiographical series, Ana, is a complete 180-degree turn from Alicia Jiménez. It's funny, vulnerable, and messy. It proves she wasn't just playing herself in Power. She was acting.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're a fan of the show or a creator looking at character arcs, here is what you can learn from Ana de la Reguera's time as Alicia:
- Silence is a weapon: A villain who speaks softly is often scarier than one who shouts. Alicia proved that poise is a form of intimidation.
- Representation matters in villainy: Having a female antagonist who wasn't defined by a romantic relationship with the lead was a breath of fresh air for the series.
- Pivot with purpose: Ana used her "tough" roles to build the leverage needed to create her own comedic work. That's a real-world power move.
Go back and watch the Season 5 finale. Look at the way Alicia handles the collapse of her empire. There’s no panic. Just a cold realization that the game has changed. That’s the kind of performance that stays with you long after the credits roll.
If you haven't seen her latest work, check out her directorial debut Un hombre por semana. It's a great way to see the evolution of an artist who mastered the art of being the "bad guy" and then decided to tell her own story.
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Next Steps for You
- Rewatch Season 4 and 5: Pay close attention to the power dynamics between Alicia and Dre; it's a masterclass in manipulation.
- Explore her range: Stream Ana on Prime Video to see the polar opposite of her Power persona.
- Track the spinoffs: Keep an eye on how the Jiménez cartel's legacy continues to affect the Power Universe in Ghost and Force.
The reality is that Ana de la Reguera didn't just play a role in Power. She helped define an era of the show that transitioned it from a street drama to an international crime epic. She was, quite literally, the power behind the throne.