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Emotion-packed 'Downton Abbey' sneak peek hints at upcoming drama

British viewers won't have to wait much longer for the return of popular export "Downton Abbey."The series, entering its third season, returns to ITV1 on Sept. 16 at 9 p.m., the network announced Wednesday. (It arrives, stateside, on PBS in January 2013.)PHOTOS: 'Downton Abbey' season 3: The Dowager Countess meets her matchAccompanying that news is a fresh trailer with the most new footage the sho
Carnival / PBS / Today

British viewers won't have to wait much longer for the return of popular export "Downton Abbey."

The series, entering its third season, returns to ITV1 on Sept. 16 at 9 p.m., the network announced Wednesday. (It arrives, stateside, on PBS in January 2013.)

PHOTOS: 'Downton Abbey' season 3: The Dowager Countess meets her match

Accompanying that news is a fresh trailer with the most new footage the show has leaked yet. It also sets an appropriately melodramatic tone, subbing the usual orchestral score for a choir covering Lou Reed's "Perfect Day."

Aside from the obligatory clips of incoming cast member Shirley MacLaine and snark from the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), there's a lot of more from the servants of Downton, including Thomas (Rob James-Collier) eying the new footman and Bates (Brendan Coyle) looking remarkably happy for being in jail.

Q&A: 'Downton Abbey' composer on the show's runaway success, 'Happy' future and Coldplay-like score

Less promising is the ominous shot of a discarded veil wafting away from a mystery bride. This is likely bad news for either Mary (Michelle Dockery) or Edith (Laura Carmichael).

Watch the full clip below: 

What do you think of the latest sneak peek? Are you eagerly awaiting season three? Share your thoughts about the show on our Facebook page.

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