Those two things had very little in common other than the name and some of the background. I have the feeling that you would like it if you got over your initial prejudice and watched a big chunk of them. You are still stuck on the idea it was a kid's show. Vampires rarely came across as weak individuals, well except for Spike falling for Buffy, but can you really blame him? Link
Decent acting, mostly awesome story-lines and good writing. Sex appeal and humor, with some genuinely dramatic moments. Top 3 as a character, not really, but far better than the haters suggest.