The Beginning and the End,
or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'”
UrsusArctos: Although the 2001 Cowboy Bebop movie refers to the same legendary Bob Dylan song and is probably better known among western fans, NGE beat it to the punch by a solid five years. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is downright Oedipal in its themes and deals with the paradox of fearing and welcoming death at the same time, as explained on this site, which makes the reference perfect for this episode. "The Beginning and the End" refers to how Kaworu in his original body (Adam) and in his Lilin form serves as both the First and the Last Angel.
