Because there's so much publicity around each season coming out, and spoilers from those who've read the books, that I end up learning too much about the actors and then seeing them in the show throws me off. And I end up watching for the scenes that were used on the promo, more then enjoying the show as a whole.

Long story short: What is the best way to absorb this show? I know it's a romance, so I'm expecting over the top lovey dovey ness, but because of the scandal portion I'm equating it to modern shows with scandals, which don't do it justice.

"Who" do I root for, do you just watch with blind innocent and welcome it as it come? Do you over analyze every detail? Should I read the books first? What do you do?