'Downton Abbey' Season 3: Mrs. Bates' death solved and Mr. Bates' fate

Brendan Coyle, the honorable and stoic Mr. Bates on "Downton Abbey," spoke with a few reporters after the Television Critics Association panel for the hit British television program. And he revealed a few juicy tidbits about his character in Season 3.

When asked if they resolve Vera's death/murder in Season 3, he states, "Yes. Yes, we do."

Not many details, but at least there's confirmation of a resolution. Coyle also says of Bates, "He's a man just trying to survive in a very brutal predicament. The only hope he has are these moments with Anna in prison life."

But he does confirm that Anna is not Bates' only visitor while in prison. And it also turns out prison isn't all bad -- the uniforms are quite a bit more relaxed than the normal period garb.

"It's like wearing comfy pajamas, it's a lot more comfortable," laughs Coyle.

"Downton Abbey" returns to PBS on Jan. 6, 2013.