Donatello- flying under Splinter's radar?

[Scandia]

It seems like Donatello's named is not mentioned by Splinter as much as the names of his three brothers. Donnie hardly ever gets into trouble- and if so, it seems to be an accidental consequence rather than truly being mischievous. And while Donnie is a good Turtle, and a good student, and a good son, he is not the golden apple of daddy's eye either.

While Splinter does not deliberate ignore Donatello, it seems like Donatello gets the least amount of Splinter's attention, whether good or bad. Sure sure, Donnie is very independent and self-reliant. But how long would it take Splinter to notice if Donatello ran away from home? Or even if Donatello left the lair because he wanted to go to an event or buy something- would Splinter even care because Donnie is not a troublemaker and is not likely to go out to right wrongs either but just for personal reasons?

Does Donnie prefer it this way? Or does he secretly want more of his sensei's attention but realizes it is better to fly under the radar?

[Cipher]

Donatello lives with Splinter in the woods for at least a year after "City at War." They both heal together from their mental shocks, Don coping with the violence they created and having to resort to using a gun, and Splinter dealing with having his higher goals questioned by the Rat King.

Other than that, though, I'd say flying under the radar suits him just fine. Especially considering he does creepy sh*t like keeping cyborgs chained to walls for intellectual conversation.

This is, of course, applicapable only to the comics. In the 4Kids cartoon, I think Back to the Sewers made it very clear how much Don values their relationship.

[Scandia]

This is regarding all universes in general. Other than when Splinter is taking care of Donnie in Northampton- which is the major exception. Special situations like this and when he turns into a gamera in season four of the 2k3 cartoon and Splinter tends to him. I am talking about everyday living in all of the universes- not special circumstances.

[triplexxx]

Well since I'm most familiar with the TV versions, I think I can answer this much.

Originally Posted by Scandia

Sure sure, Donnie is very independent and self-reliant. But how long would it take Splinter to notice if Donatello ran away from home?

'Til the cable malfunctions. lol

Seriously though, Splinter knows Donatello can take care of himself, as can the others. From Donatello's pov, I think attention is something he probably couldn't care less about; sure he'd want some now and then but he wouldn't be specific of how much, and he could do without for some time.