I'm actually reading his memoirs right now, and they are fascinating in the level of detail. As a history buff they are a great read(I'm about 500 pages into the 1500 page first volume) but only for the hardcore policy wonk types.
Never gotten the love for Donna. I thought she was the most annoying companion by far(I've only watched NU WHO), though a few later ones have come close. She was much better in this ep, I agree. Too bad they didn't do Martha Jones instead. .