But as a viewer, WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEE THAT. So all we're left with is Donna gabbing on the phone and ignoring the Doctor.

I utterly agree. Maybe Torchwood can untangle things for her? ;)

Someone on my f-list, I forget who (dammit) posted a long, but well-reasoned rant about how spending time with the Doctor usually *improves* a companion and, for a while, Rose *was* (ie, during her time with the Ninth Doctor) but then she was taken out at the knees (emotionally) and how bloody annoying is that?

I think we can add Donna to that rant now, too.