Do you think that Humphrey actually likes Hacker?
I know he clearly regards himself as superior, but I feel that there's a certain amount of reluctant appreciation of the Minister, despite his naivity etc, that eventually manifests itself as grudging respect... in some forms!
I suspect somewhat. Like in the sense that he knows he is a good person and trying to do the best job that he can.
But overall they could never be close friends...Humphrey does look down at his 'naive' boss.
And it was that friendly/adversarial relationship that made this such a great show.
Are you going to pull those pistols or whistle "Dixie"?