when did it air?
April 24, 2008
The Shape of Things to Come (Lost)
 It aired on April 24, 2008 on ABC in the United States and on CTV in Canada. 
what is "the shape of things to come" (lost)? It is the 81st episode of the ABC's "Lost".
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The Shape of Things to Come (Lost) [SEP] Introduction
Much praise was directed at Emerson's acting skills, particularly in his reaction to the execution of his character's daughter Alex (Tania Raymonde). His performance in this specific episode received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards; the episode was also nominated in the category of Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series.