I do like Python, but I think Perl is actually designed (and actually is) a super-charged bash. Perl was created with the purpose of simplifying the combination

I do like Python, but I think Perl is actually designed (and actually is) a super-charged bash. Perl was created with the purpose of simplifying the combination of bash + awk + sed + grep, a goal it has achieved quite well. Python has better OO and has won more mindshare than Perl, but I don't think it was ever meant (or accomplishes the goal) of being an "overcharged" bash.