Artistic license vs. Historically accurate dramatization

I totally understand the need for modern media to dress up and dramatize historical events.  Ratings, ratings.  Somehow, though, I cannot reconcile the following statement from Ben Franklin upon concluding that the colonies would not receive rights and liberties as British Subjects.  This from History Channel's mini-series, "Sons of Liberty"  http://www.history.com/shows/sons-of-liberty

"Well, that uh...that's an absolutely batshit crazy idea."