I'm just not sure yet if this is intentional (and laying the groundwork for later plot developments) or if we're supposed to accept it as just his lovable personality...
For me, that's what makes it interesting. He's not the heroic type a la The Doctor and it's not easy to predict what he'll do. Also why is he there in the first place? Does he feel he has a mission? Or is he hoping for a spaceship to give him a lift? That's wat makes viewing fun! :)