Streams – Armageddon (2018)

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Details

Title: Armageddon
Release Date: March 2018
Author: Paul Larkin

SynopsisStreams - Armageddon (2018) - The Celtic Wiki

Armageddon is the 3rd part of a trilogy of books and films.

The Asterisk Years looked at the role of the Edinburgh Establishment in the financial doping of Scottish football, propping up Rangers (IL) and almost killing Celtic.

Anyone but Celtic told the story of how the Lanarkshire Referees Association has been controlled by Freemasons for almost 60 years.

Armageddon tells the story of Scottish football between 2012-2017 in 3 sections, Newco, Oppression and Invincible.

Review

(by Joebloggscity)
Paul Larkin’s DVD & book releases have become quite a cult event in the Celtic supporters’ calendars. Guilty pleasures for many, they are each a quality bit of work that have been progressing steadily using quite an unorthodox style that really seems to appeal to the emotions of many of the average person on the terracing.

‘Armageddon’ relates to the pathetic and unfounded belief that Scottish football would perish without Rangers once they died. It didn’t, and that is the starting ground. Third Lanark looms large in this video as a parallel story, but in the same way they died and Scottish football didn’t, Rangers died and Scottish football still flourished despite what anyone will tell you.

This DVD works on that basis, and is a further addition to his growing canon of work, and I’ve watched this before the release of the book (which I’ve not read any pre-release copies). Yet again, we have another great addition as Larkin in his inimitable manner, puts straight the authorities who have repeatedly stuck their heads in the sand, and allowed the game in Scotland to whither whilst it has grown & developed everywhere else in the world.

There is nothing necessarily new here in terms of any revelations, but that’s not the point. It’s once more a call to action for the general supporter, and a rallying call to all supporters not to take their foot off the accelerator. Scottish football supporters have been taken for a ride and Sevco have got away with so much, but as Larkin emphasises we have not gone away. Despite the capitulation by various Scottish club directors to Sevco, the general support in Scotland has made it clear they want action. Larkin restates the points, highlights the issues and brings a fresh & humorous outlook to all the events that have happened.

Admittedly there are holes which those experienced in financial & management professions could pick holes with, but these are still questions that need asked and answered. Larkin despite any errors, pushes in the right direction. That is the key here, and it would help if more would realise that.

A number of the talking heads are general supporters well known in various Celtic circles, but with all due respect many of them weren’t adding any additional weight to the discussion (although it was great to see an Asian Celtic face, something that seems to too often be absent unintentionally in practically every Celtic feature I’ve seen). Engaging & entertaining they may be, but their views have already been addressed in his prior work.

Where the talking heads are best is in the last part, as Larkin indulges in a reminisce of the glory that was the 2016-17 treble winning season, a clear sign that Celtic is in a healthy state. Maybe he could have added further to the dismissal of the Armageddon fears by highlighting the growing strength at other clubs, which he does do but only slightly.

For a feature done on a low budget with the support of a few up front advances, it is truly impressive. This is again a fine, entertaining & very well put together viewing. Each feature improves on each release. In my opinion, it’s best watched with a group of people, or better a crowd. I’ve watched it at a screening, and the laughs with Larkinand boos at Sevco elevate the experience.

Another recommended watch. Keeps the discussion going and highlights the wonderful heart in Scottish football that the authorities have shamefully tried to rip apart.

Links

Streams - Armageddon (2018) - The Celtic Wiki