You know, there may not be any better compliment out there than "I have not seen/did not like/am lukewarm on your canon, but I love the way you play your character".

I mean, yes, I'm disappointed to hear that you couldn't get into the show, since I love it so much and would like it very much if everyone else did too, but the fact that I can get you to enjoy the character despite not really caring for the canon is one heck of an ego-boost, I can tell you. So thank you! And don't worry. I'm sure we'll have enough time to get these two friendship hounds together over the coming year.