Wow, I haven't watched the show since it aired (though it's on the to-do list to show it to my wife), so I'll have to go by memory. But I think in many ways it is a classic knightly journey, starting out a little rough around the edges, but over time earning the respect of those around him, willing to lay his life on the line to stand up for what he believes in.
I do remember these scenes. I thought it was an excellent part of the story. The fact that he was willing to duel to the death with someone he could not defeat earned him the respect of that adversary, and changed the entire outcome for the better.
