Sci-Fi Meshuge

Uchuu Keiji Shaider, or Space Sheriff Shaider, a Japanese Tokusatsu¹ series (Toei, 1984), was my favorite show to watch—an unusual taste here in the West. Most kids preferred more modern Japanese series that had already aired here earlier,

I don’t even remember exactly why I liked it so much. Maybe it was the hero’s hypnotic bluish armor, or the light-hearted subplots (outside the action scenes) involving kids gathering at a pet shop in a Tokyo residential neighborhood. The shop owner, Kojiro, was overloaded with slapstick humor. I was also fascinated by the massive fortress Babiros, which transformed—like something out of Transformers—into a colossal gun controlled by a glowing hologram of the protagonist, in a digital projection that looked like it came straight out of Tron (Disney, 1982).

Fire Formation!

Those aren’t the only references to fiction of that era. Shaider is a patchwork of pop culture—from sci-fi movies like Alien and Star Wars, to horror films like Carrie. All these elements, plus the nostalgic feel of the era’s special effects, made me go back and rewatch the series 30 years later.

Annie and Dai Sawamura

Watching Shaider as an adult surprised me—in a good way. And I now know why: it's a love story from beginning to end, something rare for this format, especially during the Showa Era². Though the romantic tone is subtle, it's a crucial part of the plot.

In the first episode, we’re introduced to the main characters. Shaider, the codename for Space Sheriff Dai Sawamura, a young Earthling mysteriously recruited to wear a metallic suit loaded with electronic gadgets. (Each episode, after his transformation, we hear the narrator explain the process while the shiny armor is shown from multiple angles.) Dai is given the Herculean task of stopping invaders from his home planet—Earth. The villains are an esoteric gang with dark rituals called Fuuma, whose destructive power is so vast, they’re wiping out entire peaceful planets in terror.

Before heading to Earth, Dai is assigned a partner: Annie, a former assistant of Gavan and now the Space Woman Police officer. Annie is seeking revenge, as her home planet Monte was annihilated by these villains. Earth is their next target—they see it as "a beautiful blue opal." 😄

Annie’s tragedy—losing her family and home—is no childish theme. It mirrors the harsh reality of war. It reminded me of my grandfather, who fled Europe during World War II, while his family that stayed behind did not survive the horrors that consumed much of the continent.

Annie, Shaider’s partner aboard the fortress Babiros

Their partnership begins as a work relationship, but a friendship forms, as both are orphans and lonely, as Annie confides to Dai. But that trust is shaken when Annie secretly investigates a rumored hideout of surviving people from her planet. It turns out to be a trap. Annie is drugged by the hallucinogenic pollen of a flower, making her see her lost family. Under the illusion of her father (played by Italo-American actor Leo Meneghetti), she is manipulated into trying to kill Shaider. She fires her weapon at him, but eventually, in tears, runs away and considers quitting. Dai gently convinces her that fleeing isn’t the solution. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best episodes.

Annie saved once again by her partner

The two embark on a journey full of laser-gun shootouts, high kicks, and acrobatics, taking down minions and monsters. Annie’s combat prowess quickly earns her audience admiration. Her look gets updated—new outfit, hairstyle, and more makeup—cementing her status as a Tokusatsu icon with a strong fanbase.

What did she whisper that got him so excited?!

Annie subtly enters into a romantic relationship with Dai—likely falling in love because of how often he saves her. The signs are there: she whispers mysterious things into his ear, carries him when he’s exhausted, invites him to dance, shields him from the boss’s scolding, cooks for him, and more.

A romantic moment—almost a kiss

Their love becomes even clearer when Annie saves Dai after he’s poisoned (in the episode where Commander Hessler’s brother uses a venomous alien tarantula). She tells him she couldn’t live if he died and collapses into his arms—one of the show’s most emotional moments.

Their love becomes evident

The ultimate proof of their relationship comes unexpectedly. A journalist, enchanted by Fuuma, throws herself into Dai’s arms. Annie has a jealous outburst, while Dai desperately tries to explain. It’s clear: this is a lover’s quarrel. This understated romantic narrative is genius, especially in Japan, where public displays of affection remain more reserved compared to the West.

Annie, jealous, leaves Dai distraught

The romance is what keeps you hooked—you want to know what happens after their final victory. Since both were alone in the galaxy, you’re left hoping for a happy ending. In Shaider’s final scene, there’s no grand celebration after defeating a galactic-level villain. Annie is sad—there’s no home or family left. Dai invites her to live on Earth and promises to show her the world. She smiles, hopeful for a new beginning. They shake hands, sealing a silent agreement. No kiss, no love declaration, but we can imagine a happy ending. After all, would Dai really convince an alien girl to stay on Earth and then abandon her?

The final scene marks a new era of peace

Shaider: The New Generation

In 2014, Shaider was rebooted in V-Cinema format, with a new actor in the classic armor and a new partner, Tammy. Unlike modern Gavan and Sharivan movies, the original protagonist, Dai Sawamura, does not appear—actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya passed away in 2001 due to health issues.

Annie in her medical office, 30 years later

Instead of a physical return, a heartfelt tribute was made. Annie (Naomi Morinaga, now 30 years older) appears in the film, speaking to a framed photo of Dai in her office. While details are sparse, we learn Dai has died, and Annie still carries her love for him. The implication is that she became a widow. The film focuses on the new characters, inspired by the classic jealousy-themed episode. Shu Karasuma (the new Shaider) and Tammy argue over the kidnapping of an important police official’s daughter. The 2014 couple is much more expressive and openly romantic than the original.

One mystery remains: did Shaider’s bloodline continue? Did Dai and Annie have children? Dai was a descendant of the ancient warrior Shaider, who sank the Mu continent 12,000 years ago—Mu being the domain of Kubilai, the oldest recorded villain. If they had no children, humanity’s oldest bloodline may be lost.

Supposed wedding photo of Mr. and Mrs. Sawamura

Another interesting detail is that Shaider’s plot drew heavily from Ancient Astronaut Theory, popularized by Erik Von Däniken’s books. Ancient space visitors—members of the Space Police—supposedly created the Nazca Lines. As an archaeologist, Dai discovered links between Nazca and Easter Island while exploring the site. The recreation of the island in the show is cool, with its rugged scenery and moai statues.

Is it worth watching today?

Absolutely. Even if you’ve never seen it before and lack the nostalgia, it’s a fun action-packed series full of adventure, martial arts, and pre-CGI special effects. The hero’s armor, in its intense chrome-blue color, might be one of the coolest designs in sci-fi television. The soundtrack is fantastic, featuring songs by Akira Kushida and arrangements by the great Chumei Watanabe. There's also a hypnotic magic song used by Fuuma in several episodes for sinister purposes.

The chemistry between Dai and Annie is captivating—it’s what makes the show truly unmissable. Earthling characters like Kojiro and Yoko bring a sitcom-like lightness. And the villains, with their magical animals, form the most bizarre and extravagant gang in the universe.

Of course, all the era’s production clichés are here. Episodes where children are lured by villains with promises of agility, strength, or better grades. Fights bouncing between surreal backdrops and rocky wilderness (the famous Toei Quarry). But we love that, right?

Shaider is the third Space Sheriff, ending a trilogy that was a big hit in Japan. In Brazil, it aired on a smaller network and later during late-night slots, which led to low visibility.

¹ Tokusatsu (特撮) is a Japanese term meaning “special filming,” used to describe live-action film or TV with heavy practical special effects. It's often associated with sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and war-themed Japanese productions.

² The Showa Era refers to the period of Japanese history during Emperor Hirohito's reign, from December 25, 1926, to January 7, 1989.

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