I decided there was. I took one of the characters and his situation, and I created a new counterpoint to him, one that brings that urgency I lacked. I'll be able to re-use a few scraps of what I've already done, too, so it wasn't a complete waste.
Now I just have to hope that it sticks so I can finish it. I hope so. It feels like I should. My muse likes these guys better.