Players mull twist of fate on ‘Survivor’

Death is no laughing matter on this season’s “Survivor” (7 p.m., CBS). If the last “Survivor” was most infamous for the episode in which Jon’s grandmother didn’t die, this “All-Star” edition may be remembered for last week’s episode in which Jenna bolted the game to return to her cancer-stricken mother, who, we are told, died eight days later.

Jenna’s sudden, emotional departure also makes this the second “Survivor” in a row to see a seemingly strong player opt out of the competition. But, while everybody seemed a little miffed when muscleman Osten put down his tiki torch, only the most hardhearted can chide Jenna for her decision to leave. Just why she chose to play in the first place is another matter.

Jenna’s flight probably benefited Rupert most immediately and directly. His decision to build a shelter with a basement was immediately challenged by the hitherto cooperative Jerri and second-guessed by other members of the Saboga group. It was a little fun to see the normally levelheaded troubled-teen counselor unhinged by his doomed project. Had Saboga lost an immunity challenge, the bearded taskmaster would probably have gotten the boot.

  • “Tax Me if You Can” on “Frontline” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) looks at the growing practice of corporate tax shelters. IRS commissioner Charles Rossotti estimates that shelters have cost the government $85 billion in recent years. “You could double everybody’s refund if you just collected all the taxes that are due,” says Rossotti.

Tonight’s other highlights

  • The rejected guys compare notes on “The Bachelorette” (7 p.m., ABC).
  • A tycoon and his wife are murdered gangland-style on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).
  • The contestants dive into the real estate market on “The Apprentice” (8 p.m., NBC).
  • Participants compete in a weight loss challenge on a two-hour episode of “Extreme Makeover” (8 p.m., ABC).
  • A missing woman’s love life may explain her disappearance on “Without a Trace” (9 p.m., CBS).
  • Carter suffers separation anxiety while Neela endures a claustrophobic situation on “ER” (9 p.m., NBC).
  • Scheduled on “PrimeTime” (9 p.m., ABC): Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon discuss the December accident that almost claimed his life. Sharon also discusses the recent cancellation of her daytime talk show.

Late night

Sarah Jessica Parker and Nelly Furtado appear on “Late Show with David Letterman” (10:35 p.m., CBS) … Jay Leno hosts John Mayer on “The Tonight Show” (10:35 p.m., NBC).