What happened to Phineas in the NCIS Season 17 winter premiere?

Gibbs and the team had to track down and save Phineas during the NCIS Season 17 winter premiere. What happened to the boy in the end?

The NCIS Season 17 winter premiere picked up off the back of the winter finale. Gibbs dealt with the news he had to break with Phineas, only to later find that Phineas had ran away. Running away turned into a much more dangerous situation when it turned out that someone was tracking Sahar and her son. So, what happened to Phineas in the end and does he get to be with Gibbs?

Since we’re looking at various parts of the story throughout the episode, there are some major spoilers in this post. If you haven’t watched the NCIS Season 17 winter premiere, I suggest turning away and checking it out first. If you’re here because you’re too impatient to watch the episode and just want the quick details, read on!

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Phineas running away turned into an abduction case. It all linked back to Sahar’s past, her radicalization after 9/11. You remember Victor who took a liking to Bishop and kept calling her Apple Pie? Well, he was actually tracking Sahar and her son, lying to absolutely everyone along the way. And those lies were even told to Victor’s bodyguard, who happened to know just enough to help the team.

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While NCIS managed to get to the airport in time to save Phineas, the young boy actually helped himself. Knowing that Victor was trouble, Phineas hid a knife in his sock to get past TSA, which naturally set off the machines. And when asked why he had it, he turned it around on Victor, even calling him “Dad” for good measure.

It was perfect, especially when it turned out that he had taken everything Gibbs had ever said on board. Rule No. 9 in case you needed the reminder! Always carry a knife.

But what about after the danger was over? Where would Phineas go?

Throughout the episode, he mentioned how his aunt and uncle didn’t want him, which was why he moved with his mom. He also mentioned that his dad didn’t want him. When the team learns there is no aunt and uncle and there was never a custody battle, they needed to figure out who Phineas and Sahar actually were. Could Phineas have been some orphan Sahar picked up for a cover story?

Well, they were related. When Sahar was in prison, Phineas was placed in an orphanage. The aunt and uncle he remembered were actually foster parents, but he never knew the truth about being a foster kid. Jack was able to track them down, and it turned out they missed him just as much as he missed them. The last we learn, Phineas is heading back with his foster parents.

It was a happy ending for Phineas. Well, as happy as it could be after learning his mom was dead.

Is this the last we’ve seen of Phineas? I hope not, because we saw a very different side to Gibbs throughout his interactions with him. However, when he shows up, I hope it’s just for a visit. He’s been through enough!

What did you think of Phineas’ storyline throughout NCIS Season 17? Would you like to see him return? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

NCIS continues on Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.