Downton Abbey Promos: The Dowager Countess' Claws Come Out for the "Dreadful" Martha

The Olympics may be over but it will be a true battle of England vs. America when Shirley MacLaine makes her debut on the upcoming season of Downton Abbey.

In two new previews for the Emmy-nominated series, MacLaine's outspoken character, Martha, mother to Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), advises the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) not to let the importance of tradition overpower her (oh no, she didn't!).

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"I'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again. When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English," the Countess tells Cora in a second new promo. "But isn't she American?" asks Matthew (Dan Stevens). "Exactly," the Countess retorts. Burn!

Watch the new teasers here:

The new season of Downton Abbey premieres in early 2013. What do you think of Lady Cora's mother?