"Downton Abbey" has quite a bit of time before it returns to PBS for its third season in 2013. You won't have to wait months to see a sneak peek of the new season though. Two new teasers have hit the web, and the claws are definitely out.

New to the third season is Shirley MacLaine, and the actress is bound to make you choke on your tea when she debuts. According to TVGuide, MacLaine is set to play Martha, the outspoken mother of Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern). Judging by the two new previews that have been released, Martha and the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) are not the best of pals...at all.

In one of the previews, fans of "Downton Abbey" get a glimpse of MacLaine in character.

"You Americans never understand the importance of tradition," the Dowager Countess tells Martha. Without missing a beat, Martha replies, "Yes we do. We just don't give it power over us. Maybe you should think about that."

If you think the sassiness between the two was taken out of context, then wait until you see the Dowager Countess whip her claws out in the next preview.

"I'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again," the Dowager Countess says to Cora at dinner. "When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English."

While that might not seem to snotty, the comment turns into a total burn when Matthew (Dan Stevens) asks, "But isn't she American?" The Countess replies, "Exactly."

"Downton Abbey" returns for a third season in early 2013.

What do you think of Shirley MacLaine as Lady Cora's mother?