A 'Survivor' First

CBS 2 Chicago: A 'Survivor' First

Jenna M. Quits The Game To Spend Time With Her Sick Mother

Feb 13, 2004 6:34 am US/Central
PEARL ISLANDS (CBS) The "Survivor: All-Stars" faced a series of both physical and emotional challenges on Thursday night's episode. Every contestant battled fierce clouds of biting bugs, Richard was victorious in a one-on-one showdown with a shark, and finally, Jenna M. made a tearful decision to leave the game to be at home with her cancer-stricken mother.

It was clear from the beginning that tension is building in the three tribes. Rupert and Ethan are stuck in a constant battle of the Alpha males in the Saboga tribe, each one looking to win the title of top tribe provider.

There's a small drama brewing in the Chapera camp as flirtation heats up between Amber and Rob M., while Jenna M.'s grief over her mother's illness had begun to take its toll on tribe morale in the Mogo Mogo camp.

The episode featured a slightly unorthodox reward challenge, where all three tribes stayed in their own camps working on a home improvement project. Saboga, Mogo Mogo and Chapera all found large "Home Depot" crates in their camps fully stocked with tools and left with instructions to build a functional, but creative shelter. And they got just 24 hours to complete the task before the tools were taken away.

Rupert took charge of Saboga's shelter – after a brief war of words with Jerri – choosing to dig down in the sand to build a sub-sea level log cabin. The choice didn't go over well with an outside contractor brought in to judge the tribe shelters.

With professional builder Rob M. on their team, Chapera fared better building a sturdy shelter with a swing and enclosed palm and bamboo area supported above the ground. They won the reward: a trunk with blankets, pillows and a second clue to unlocking their rice chest.

Mogo Mogo's tree-house shelter won second place, earning them a clue as well.

After all three tribes met for the planned immunity challenge, a tearful Jenna M. announced her decision to leave the game to be with her sick mother, eliminating the need for the challenge to take place. Though several tribe members noted her departure could have dramatic effects on the dynamics of the game, all understood her choice to be with family during a tough time.

Instead of waiting for a Tribal Council, host Jeff Probst called for a boat and Jenna M. left the island immediately.

The show ended with an postscript saying that Jenna M.'s mother lost her battle with cancer eight days after Jenna arrived home.

Jenna M. will be answering your questions Friday morning on The Early Show, beginning at 7 a.m. ET/PT.

(MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc., All Rights Reserved.)