With the new season kicking off on ABC just over a week ago, a new mystery is afoot. Just what are the Applewhites up to, and what are they hiding? Alfre Woodard (Betty Applewhite) gave some insight in a recent interview.

"Betty never means harm," Woodard told USA Today. "Let's just say she has flaws. She had to make some really tough decisions quick and if the law ever catches up with her, she'll have to serve time." She did not reveal the details of the mystery, but apparently Betty's son Matthew got himself into some trouble in the past. Whatever Betty subsequently did though, Woodard doesn't think the law will catch up with her. "They'll never catch her," she said confidently.

While her character is up to no good, Woodard admitted that she herself is no stranger to trouble. Woodard said that from an early age she was in trouble, whether it was smoking when she was five or tieing up her sister and throwing matches at her feet. She admitted to even feigning death twice. "We got spanked every day," she said. "Our parents spanked us. The neighbors spanked us. If they were spanking one of us, they'd tell the other, 'C'mon, let me get you now because I know I'm going to have to spank you before the day is over."

Marc Cherry revealed that two other famous actresses were approached about the role of Betty Applewhite, but turned it down due to over financial and time-commitment concerns. But now Woodard is on set, she's already made a positive impression. "I wish I could work with her more," said Marcia Cross (Bree Van De Kamp). "Alfre's soulful, powerful and smart. I love talking to her."

The full interview, where Woodard also talks about her 22-year marriage to Roderick Spencer, can be found at USA Today.

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