I don't think its a matter of choosing whether to play it dramatically or for comedy. Ideally, it would be both, but in such a way as to fit overall into a serious tale. I'm reminded of Sleepy Hollow where Constable Crane's reaction to so much going around him was quite amusing, but it was all part of a story that took itself (quite properly) very seriously.
For example, in Robservations the point was made about whether Barnabas had ever seen car headlights before. Probably not. And while some details of that disorientation might amuse, the sum total might make us feel very sorry for Barnabas. I rather hope we see the moment when he sees a date on a newspaper or calendar and realizes over two centuries have passed! His reaction would be something to see, methinks.
And really, why shouldn't we be allowed to discuss elements of the script? I don't get it. Full-blown suggestions for storylines, etc. I understand. But why not discuss basic elements like "Should Vicky Winters really be Josette reincarnated?"
Myself, I find myself wondering what "take" on vampirism they'll go with. The original series essentially went with fangs and pale skintones. The remake added those weird eyes a la Forever Knight (to which, btw, I did not object). With advanced makeup these days vampires are often portrayed with lots of subtle clues that read "not human." On BTVS of course they went with an actual demonic look, but that was evidently to forestall any inference that Buffy was murdering human beings, even on a visceral level. In Interview With the Vampire, on the other hand, vampires had an interestingly obvious trace of their veins along the sides of their face. I wouldn't mind that myself. I wouldn't mind if Barnabas as a vampire looked quite nonhuman, but maybe also strangely beautiful.
Just a thought.